This morning I stumbled across this picture from a couple summers ago. It was my attempt at teaching my son Jett to surf while we were on vacation in Florida.
In reality I really don’t know how to surf, but I discovered throughout the day it’s all about timing.
If we got too far out in front of a wave it would go over us and we’d fizzle out. If we waited too long to get momentum we might miss out on an incredible wave that could have taken us all the way in. Success for us was completely dependent on watching, being ready, and knowing exactly when to start paddling.
The boys had the most success when I would stand watch for them. They would be ready to start paddling and I would be looking out waiting for the perfect wave for them. When I saw it I would say to them “Go! Start paddling!” and off they’d go.
Sitting out there with the boys waiting on the next wave I couldn’t help but think about all the different waves God has sent along in my life.
So many times God’s sent some incredible opportunities my way and I simply wasn’t ready for them. I wasn’t paying attention. My thoughts and focus were elsewhere.
There have been other times I was ready but too anxious. I got nervous and wasn’t willing to wait on His timing and took things into my own hands and got too far out in front of Him.
I’m learning more and more I need to be ready and willing to wait to hear God’s voice and when He says Go I better start paddling.
David reminds us in Psalm 31:15 “My times are in your hands..”
What wave are you waiting on? Maybe it has to do with…
- a church plant
- a relationship
- adding staff
- changing jobs
- a major purchase
- having children
I pray you’ll continue to be ready, and then wait on His voice. When you sense the timing is right, trust His voice and paddle with everything you’ve got. You just might go on the ride of your life.
