At Your Feet

Little more than 20-years ago, I accompanied my youth group to W. Virginia where we would go White Water Rafting down the New River. Before heading to our starting point, the guide gathered us in a pavilion, explained to us the rules of the river, and told us to have fun.

One of those rules involved, what to do should you fall out of the raft. We all laughed when he said, "Don't fight, don't try to swim. Simply kick your feet up and float down the river, we'll get you out safely."

Now, why would we laugh? We were 18 - 22 year-old college-age adults who knew, I won't be the one falling in. 

Yes, we novices from Michigan knew far better than the W. VA guide who rafted the river for a living. He must have fought back roaring laughter that day, especially when going over level 5 rapids (does that river have a lvl 5?), I fell in.

Thankfully, he maintained his cool and held his sides together until he left us that day.

In the water, I tried to swim. I kicked my feet, worked my arms, and found myself being pulled under the current. Then I remembered. Letting my feet rise to the surface, I lay back and floated down the river. Ahhhh. At the next stop, they helped me get back into the raft and completed our journey.

Thinking about requests the Lord is making of me, I find myself kicking, paddling, and sinking. Letting go, allowing Him control is a frightening thing, especially when I can't see over the horizon. I know He can be trusted; however, the need for control usually rears its ugly head when it is being stripped away.

I am determined to let go and pray for the discipline to not take it back.

1 Peter 5: 6 - 7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He my exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

It's been a pleasure to visit with you.