I’m standing on this diving board, Lord, ready to jump in
when you blow the whistle. I’ve got my suit on. There are sparkles from the sun
dancing along the surface of the clear blue water. I’m just waiting for your
cue.
I’m a little nervous. What if I’m not a good swimmer? But
oh, I see that red tube over there on the side, and I know you’ll throw it to
me if I start to sink. You’ve got this, and I’m ready when you are. Just say
the word.
It’s getting a little hot out here. I’m starting to glisten
– not sweat of course – just sort of shimmer with perspiration. Do you want me
to jump in? Or should I take a step back and sit down on that lawn chair? I
could do some journaling or read a magazine. I could even drink some iced tea
and chat with a friend. So, what do you want?
I’ll wait here a bit longer. Wow, I can really feel the sun
now. I should probably reapply the sunscreen soon. My shoulders will be a
little red in the morning. And my nose. My nose always burns first.
I wiggle my toes, feeling the rough surface of the long
white plank beneath my feet. My toenail polish is starting to chip. I blow a
strand of hair off of my forehead and I reach up to the sky – reaching high –
and trace the clouds that dance above my head. I stretch my neck from side to
side, trying to loosen up. It’s sort of tiring, just standing here.
And it’s getting a little awkward, really. I feel pretty
vulnerable in my suit and all, but not getting wet.
I really don’t have to jump in, you know. You could call me
off the board. I could take a quick nap in the shade. I could give up swimming
altogether, get dressed, and go fishing at the lake. I think the pole is
already baited in the shed. I could get a pad of paper and sketch the flowers
in the garden. I could bake some cookies and bring them next door.
Ok, I guess I’ll stand here a little longer. I’ll wait on
your timing. “Wait for the Lord; be strong
and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm
27:14
