The Plunge
Blog | Family | Growing Pains
My firstborn plunged into the waters of TEENAGE-DOM this week. I felt weepy and proud all at the same time when I snuck glances at the mini-man that just yesterday slipped from my womb. Not long ago, we marked Luke’s birthday with a wet and wild outing to a gigantic water park. While the boys left me on my own to splash or sun as I willed, the sight of the towering slides brought me back to another birthday party where my participation had been far more coveted. And my courage had been stretched and tested… I’m grateful for the way my children invite me to PLUNGE into abundant life without looking back!
I hope you enjoy this re-post from the archives in honor of my birthday kids this month.
Happy Birthday to my (growing) August babies…
Happy Birthday to my (growing) August babies…
We celebrated my daughter Lizzy’s tenth birthday with a splash. Lathered in sunscreen and laden with beach towels, we hauled a mini–van full of kids to a nearby water park for a pool–side party. While the aquatic complex housed snaky waterslides, a walloping wave pool and a sprinkler–studded playground, the highlight of the day loomed four–stories high at the top of a tall timber tower. Though The Rage looked as daunting as its name, a steady thread of dripping adventurers wound like a colorful party streamer up the steep wooden stairs. At the pinnacle, bold blue signs invited riders to plummet down a two–hundred foot drop to a small pool at the slide’s end.
One by one, my daughter’s party guests accepted the spine-tingling challenge. After flinging themselves down the fast and furious fall, they stormed the sundeck where I was enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. And they begged me to join them.
“Please, Mom,” my birthday girl pleaded. “Come with us this time.” I glanced at the sky–high attraction; then at my daughter’s hopeful face. Reluctantly, I slipped off my flip flops and headed for The Rage. Moments later, I stood at the top of the infamous slide and looked down. My stomach flip-flopped as I watched my daughter and her friends speed to the shallow finish. Finally, I was the only one left on the wooden platform.
“Just lie on your back and give yourself a push,” the lifeguard instructed as she smacked bubble gum and tediously twirled a silver whistle around her pointer finger. I could see my daughter jumping and clapping at the bottom of the ride as she anticipated my rookie run.
I stepped into the swirling water. I was enjoying the party from my lawn chair. Tentatively, I sat down at the top of the slide. The water is freezing! The drop looked daunting from my perspective. One push and I would drop two hundred feet. Oh, the things we do for our kids. I took a deep breath (and held it all the way to the bottom), reclined in the cold water; then grabbed the side of the slide. I closed my eyes and pushed my trembling body over the edge.
Water spewed into the air. My heart jumped to my throat. My backside momentarily lifted off the slide and then battered the side wall with a thump. Adrenaline rushed. Lizzy screamed with delight. My bulleting body came to a splashing halt.
“You did it, Mom!” Lizzy applauded. “Wasn’t that awesome?”
As I headed up the steps to do it all over again, I decided that the waterslide was an apt picture of my life with Jesus. Following Him is an amazing ride, but sometimes the hardest part is simply taking the plunge of obedience.
“I want you and your family to move.”
“Are you kidding, Lord? I’m happy right here in my lawn chair. See? I have friends, a great church, a thriving ministry….”
“I want you to surrender your career plans to Me.”
“But, Lord, I want to pursue these dreams…”
“It’s time to give your husband the reigns. I created him to be the head of your family. Get out of the way and let him become the man I’ve dreamed him to be.”
“But, Lord, he’s too busy to lead well. And he doesn’t have the vision I do, and….”
And for every argument I have, the Author of this adventure called life urges, “Just take the plunge!”
Hesitantly I push my wary heart over the edge of my comfort zone, and hear my Savior cheer and holler, “Wasn’t that an awesome ride? How did you like those splashes of joy? Didn’t you love that adrenaline pumping rush of dependency on ME? Did you feel your heart lift off the ground and soar?”
And as soon as I reach the end of my challenge, Jesus grabs my hand and says, “Come on! Let’s do it again!” Perhaps He’s inviting you to do the same.
The Overflow: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said…” Matthew 4:19
The Overflow: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said…” Matthew 4:19
Hard, yes.. and exhilarating.. and….. scary… and…
You “plunge” better than anyone I know, friend!
this message was meant for me…today…the plunge is so HARD!!!!!
Oh, how this one hit home for me as we are now moved to Texas, a place that doesn’t seem like home. I miss Iowa immensely, but know that God has a plan for us here as we train to go overseas. It’s hard to let go though and trust. Thanks for the encouragement. Liz from mom-to-mom table