Waves of Mercy

Those waves never stop. Some are large enough to topple my inflated raft, causing me to swallow much more salt water than anyone ever should. Others are so gentle they might go unnoticed except for the soothing sound made as they spill onto the shore, but they never stop. This rhythm of the water never fails to soothe my soul as I yearn to sync my heart to God's. Oh, how I love the beach.
Although there are times I miss having young children, vacation is not one of them. I've logged enough days balancing babies and bottles, washing sand off of pacifiers, applying and reapplying sunscreen, and perching on the edge of panic as they ride the waves.
Now I sit back, read, pray, sleep, and shake my head when I think of how much happier Elise would be if she would only date the person I've selected for her. I tune out the music of an IPod, preferring the sounds of the surf, an occasional chorus of Marco Polo, and a precious little voice asking, "Can you catch me, Frank?" It's my four year old great nephew, Dylan, standing on the ledge of the pool, calling out to my son-in-law.
"I can catch you, Dylan."
"Frank, are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Can I make it?"
"You can make it, Dylan."
Still not fully convinced, Dylan has another question, "Are you going to miss?"
"No, Dylan, I never miss." And with that final answer, Dylan leaps toward Frank's outstretched arms, laughing as he safely lands.
Frank then places Dylan on the other end of the ledge, which is just inside of the circular pool. Dylan walks around until the ledge ends and the questions begin, "Can you catch me, Frank?" The scene is repeated over and over, tiring neither Dylan nor Frank.
Frank can assure Dylan, not because of Dylan's strengths, but because Frank knows his own ability to navigate Dylan safely through the water. Dylan is only required to trust Frank and jump. I know just how he feels.
I've spent a time or two (or eighty) poised on the edge of challenges and decisions, unsure of what would happen if I took the leap. I've questioned God, over and over, out of fear of the unknown and uncertainty of my success. I wonder if God ever tires of my questions. I know I never grow weary of His answers, or of His comfort, or of the security I feel when I realize my future and my success is not in my own strength, but in the One Whose Arms I trust. He never misses.
And every day His waves of mercy and grace are there to wash over my soul. Those waves never stop.
Ronny may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com