At the lake, my husband contemplated a jump off of the high dive. He hadn’t done this in many years. “I’ll wait until the line is shorter,” he declared. I thought he was just stalling.

One after the other a group of teenagers climbed up the ladder and went off into the water, never missing a beat, or their chance to perform in front of the others. It was fun to watch the energy of their youthful antics.

As we looked on, a young boy slowly made his way to the ladder. He stepped up, then stopped. Gingerly, he reached his hands up a bit higher and stepped up to the next rung. He stopped again. His father came up to the ladder and prompted him to continue.

This went on for some time. With each step, the boy seemed more timid, and took longer to move up to the next level. He would hesitate, almost step down, then slowly reverse and go up again, with encouragement from his father. Clearly, he was frightened and unsure.

At this point, a group was watching. We collectively held our breath, silently hoping it would end well. His fear made his steps unsure and his footing unsteady. As he got closer to the top, we found ourselves cheering him on, wanting success for him.

After what felt like an hour, he made it to the top. But would he actually jump off? He slowly walked to the end of the diving board. His father and the waiting teenagers urged him on. He jumped, hit the water and went under. As he resurfaced, the crowd cheered. He smiled broadly. We smiled too, with relief, and a certain sense of pride for him.

The next time his turn came up, he moved up the ladder quicker. By the third time, he was just like all of the other kids, scrambling up without hesitation. Just one of the crowd now.

Throughout the whole scene, I couldn’t help but think of how our Heavenly Father is like that earthly father. Ever present to support and encourage us. Ever faithful to guide and direct. If we are fearful, we can continue on, knowing He is there, cheering for us.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Oh and my husband? He never did go off the high dive that day. He did join the teenage lineup to go on the swing out over the water. Except his foot got stuck. But that’s a whole other story.

-Carolyn

“Life isn’t easy. Together we can make it better.”

See Bible For Today for an additional passage.