During a recent trip to Fit-N-Wise in Decatur, I looked through a 2nd floor set of windows down toward the Aquatics Center and noticed what appeared to be a very faithful lifeguard sitting atop the lifeguard stand above the main pool. The lifeguard had his flotation device across his lap and seemed to be ready to spring into action at any moment. However, the water in the pool was calm. In fact, the pool appeared deserted and certainly there was no immediate need for a rescue.

I wonder how many times we have wandered out into the “pool of life” expecting God to be on the heavenly lifeguard stand, ready to dive into whatever frantic situation we might find ourselves in and drag us back to safety? I can admit that there have been times in my own life where I have taken the Great Lifesaver for granted. And maybe in those, or other times, I have felt that life has moments of excitement that ought to be lived to its fullest. Or maybe I thought that I was a little bullet-proof or could heal pretty quickly if things were to get out of hand. Have you ever had any of these thoughts, or something similar?

I like to think I know a little better now about life and maybe even better now how to live it fully. While some of this wisdom might come from simply growing older, I prefer to think that most of it, at least the most important part of it, comes by the grace of God. It is true that God is faithful and vigilant atop the lifeguard stand. It is true that God desires us all to live and that no one should be lost. It is true that God jumped into the turbulent waters of the world to save each and every one of us. It is also true that God has provided ways for everyone to enjoy the waters of life in very meaningful ways.

For instance, as a young boy, I received swimming lessons. They not only helped me navigate through the water, but provided confidence in my ability to swim. In a similar way, God offers us life lessons. We can read and hear the stories of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and how God has been and still is at work in our world and lives to help us navigate life and instill confidence in us. Our prayers, meditations, and worship of God help us stay focused on God and keep our relationship with Him in good shape so that we can have confidence in how God has acted already to save us.

So God has arranged all this and has done so out of the love God has for us. God doesn’t require us to say yes to the lessons. God doesn’t wait for us to get in over our head to dive in and save us. God has already done that, pulling us from the deep end whether we realize it yet or not. All this because God loves us.

During this Easter season (between the first Sunday in Easter and Pentecost), I hope you will say yes to the swimming lessons. You will get a bit stronger and may find that you actually enjoy the pool a bit more knowing you have been rescued and are being protected. May you enjoy the resurrection blessings of the season!

See you in the pool,
Brian