Tripping Over Typeset

Have you ever sat on the edge of the pool and wanted to get in but held back instead? It’s like weighing the options and opting to only poke your toe in. You can feel the cold or maybe just imagine it will be chilly. The nearby kids splash droplets in your direction, and you cringe as the spray hits your skin.

It’s like that for me with risk taking. Jumping in and submerging into an idea quickly isn’t my jam. I tend to sit on the edge, skimming the surface with my toes, and weighing all my options. It feels like a safe option yet I’m also missing the adventure and experiencing the invigorating refreshment the water brings.

What keeps us at the water’s edge?

• Fear
• Insecurity
• Intimidation

All these things keep us from experiencing joy, exhilaration from learning something new, growth from the sense of accomplishment, and gaining confidence from trying something else.

We sit on the edge and convince ourselves we’re good where we’re at, yet we linger there contemplating our decision. Why? Because if we’re honest, we want to get in. We just don’t have the guts to take the plunge. It seems crazy but it’s true.

So as I sit here on the pool’s edge again, contemplating my choice. The risk is actually low. I can see the floor of the pool. The other side is within swimming distance with a single breath. There’s no current to carry me downstream to an unforeseen tide pool. It’s simple. Yet our fear of what could happen, real or imagined, keeps us poolside.

As a risk adverse individual my personality keeps me from some great adventures. Parts of me are sad about that so instead of moping by the water’s edge and continuing to entertain my imagined fears, I’m jumping in, diving under and letting the water glide across my skin as I rise again to the surface.

What about you? Are you sitting poolside contemplating getting in? Are you willing to jump in?

Paul encourages us in Ephesians 3:20

God can do anything, you know— far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us. (Eph 3:20 – The MSG)

He is not going to push us into the pool or annoy us by splashing, bullying or egging us to “get in already.” Instead, He is patient, encouraging us to wade in and find that He is good, faithful, and right there with us as we get in.

So what about it? Do you want to try this together? We can jump in and see what comes.

I’m getting in and happy to take the plunge again.

Jump into the conversation:

• What waters are you willing to jump into?
• What’s keeping you from taking the plunge?
• How can I pray for you?