I usually go to lighthouse beach, because of the free parking, and the current there is very strong. I always put my pink towel out to mark my territory on the beach. I leave all my things that I brought with me and head towards the water. Because I know how strong the current is, I start a little further up on the beach so that when I start to head towards the bridge I can still get out and go back to home base to catch some rays.
Sometimes when we are looking at Gods love, it is like being in the lake swimming around.For me I recognize being in God's love, but I am still always looking for the destination. As I swim around I am very aware of the shore with my pink towel marking my spot. I always want to know where the current is taking me. Since I grew up in church, I have been taught to pray expecting God to show me where to swim. I tell him that I can fight the current and go where ever he wants me to. God I will swim where ever, but in case you didn't notice, you have to give me the direction to begin paddling.
At church camp or youth retreats I feel the spiritual high. I tell God I am all in and jump into the water of his perfect love. The current of his grace starts to move me and it is scary, sometimes I try to swim the other direction but when I am feeling especially holy I let myself go with the flow. Well I go with the current as long as I can still see my towel. Once I get to the end of the beach I need to get out and walk back to home base.
Lately I feel like God is trying to teach me to float. Not literally (although that would be helpful in Michigan summers) but spiritually. Floating away from my home base and going under the bridge with the raging water terrifies me. When I just float, I am completely vulnerable. Laying on my back floating in God's love means I can't always see what is in front of me. I have to fully trust that his current will take me to where I need to be.
I was always told that we as Christians need to live in the water, always be in his never ending love. What I failed to see was how dangerous the water is, when I can always see the pink towel.
Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you hope and a future."
To fully follow God's plan for me, I need to leave my pink towel and float. I have no idea what will happen in the current under the bridge but I know that I can't grow until I trust him enough to find out.
God teach me to float in your perfect love, and give me the courage to lose sight of my pink towel.
