Who’s Got Your Leash?

For about 12 years, my parents lived on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, and they needed to see their new grandchild, so I made the yearly sacrificial visit. They also paid for the flights. During my first stay, while my infant son napped safely at the condo with his granddad, I learned by experience the power of the ocean. How silently treacherous rip currents were. According to the authorities, many swimmers died on the North Shore, outsmarted by conditions that did not appear particularly threatening.

Did I want my child playing in this dangerous ocean? Would I be one of those overprotective moms?

More recently, stateside, a handful of mothers tried to outlaw monkey bars because their little ones had fallen and broken a bone. Two researches responded with “children who aren’t given the chance to negotiate difficult physical challenges might grow up more fearful than children who risk (relatively minor) injury and make it through.”

Always two sides to an argument, right?

Wherever you look, life is punctuated by hazards, large and small. Oceans and monkey bars.

Back to Hawaii. The hidden dangers of the Pacific could not squelch my adventurous spirit. This was, however, foreign territory for me, so I heeded the wisdom of island authorities. When my son was finally old enough to walk, I added a harness and leash to complement his swimwear. I recall the looks other beach-goers gave us. We were laughed at, judged. Yet, I would do it again.

The beauty of this leash? He was not attached to my hip, stretching downward in a straining attempt to experience this giant wild bathtub. No, my son’s hands were free as he jumped in the waves, exploring God’s creation. A few times, the current did try to sweep his little body out into the deep. But not to worry. I kept a tight grip and, though he had to spew out an occasional mouthful of saltwater, he continued his wide-eyed study of the beautiful shoreline. 

Would YOU volunteer to wear a leash?

Is that idea offensive as an adult? Even if it would keep you from drowning?

Think about it. The times we’re living in appear to offer more trauma than treasure. More ruin than reward. More losses than laurels. And Jesus did promise that we would experience trouble and difficulties while on earth.

If we always have to put on a bulletproof vest, can we truly live the abundant life God also promises? 

Great news! If you belong to Christ, you’re already on a permanent and indestructible leash.

“My Father, who has given you to Me, is greater than all. And no one is able to snatch you out of the Father’s hand,” John 10:29 TLV, emphasis and personalization mine.

You are harnessed into the Almighty

…and good to go.

So just jump in.
Jump into the water.
Jump into the new job.
Jump into motherhood.
Jump out of a plane (with a parachute).

No matter how hard your arms flail in your attempt to keep balance, no matter if you feel like you’re drowning in the waves of relational drama or being pulled by a rip current of responsibilities…

Nothing can snatch you from the Father’s hand.

You’re safe in Heaven’s harness and free to explore the abundant life He already planned for you.

Ready … jump!

Sowing Seeds of Bravery

“…I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world,” John 16:33 MSG.