And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” Genesis 1:20
We’ve been living on the water for eight months now, and I’m just as excited today as I was the first day to see the creatures that are near us. When we first moved in, I used to watch the majestic eagles on a regular basis. I’m not seeing them as much now, but what are showing up haven’t disappointed me. It’s so special to wake up to a seagull’s laugh or watch a shorebird flying by with a tasty snack.
Focusing on the water brings me great peace; although, my family gets quite startled when it has brought out some major excitement too. The first time I saw dolphins right in front of our house, I sure scared my hubby and boys with an exuberant response. I couldn’t help it! Today, I looked out and saw a turtle swimming by. How amazing is that?
My oldest loves to fish. He will catch something, then say to me, “Do you see why I don’t swim in this water? I know what’s living there.” Well, thanks a lot Mr. Cautious. Why don’t you ruin it for the rest of us? (I say that in the most loving way.)
I took his completely logical thoughts and made them my own until one day the call of the water was just too much. Having carefully watched person after person surviving the summer pastime of water play, I figured there was enough room for God’s creatures AND me.
A quick saltwater baptism one day made my determination to enjoy that huge swimming pool right outside our door a must. Yesterday, armed with floats for enjoying, a rope to not be carried away, and water shoes just in case my oldest was right, I was ready for some fun! Because my youngest was feeling wild and adventurous, he joined me.
I made my way down the ladder into water that felt like it belonged in a bathtub. So far, so good. I got situated on the float and watched my cohort break into a grin. This was great! We were such risk-takers that we decided to forgo the rope to have a little more freedom. We’d let the gentle current slowly take us a little ways before we’d make our way back to the starting point.
To advise my youngest, just in case he decided to get nervous, I passed on my knowledge. If he was struggling, stand up. It was low tide. Also, I told him to shuffle his feet in case there were any rays on the sandy bottom. It gives them time to get out of the way, so they don’t get stepped on. Unfortunately, I wasn’t positive this was true.
Once we were in there for a bit without any fins circling around us, my bravery was almost out of control. I took off my shoes! Summertime joy was surrounding me. When it was my turn for the inner tube, I was spinning in circles and living life to the fullest. It was awesome!
There was only one problem. Something touched my leg! I pulled them up and paddled quickly away from that spot. A little while later, it was back! Don’t worry though because my superhero of a son saved me. He informed me that I was feeling the plants that were growing from the bottom since it was so shallow. Umm…there weren’t any sea monsters trying to wrap their tails around my legs and drag me away. I still didn’t like those plants touching me. I’d jump and giggle while my youngest rolled his eyes and tried not to laugh.
I learned a few things. When things are murky, it doesn’t always mean you should just sit back and watch everyone else live life around you, waiting for things to become perfectly clear. There are times we need to take a step before we know which direction we should go, even if we can’t see the bottom. There’s nothing wrong with shuffling your feet occasionally if that’s what’s going to get you to move!
Today, take this into consideration…if God created the living creatures in the water and the birds in the sky by just a word, don’t you think He’s capable of keeping you from getting carried away by the currents you face in life? Come on! He made the water and the sky! Let God be your rope today. That’s a rope I never want to forgo.
By the way, don’t let someone else’s opinion keep you from experiencing great things…even if it does sound logical, it may not be right for you.
Thank you for writing another one! We’ve been waiting!
The adventures are so awesome that you and your family have. We are truly blessed that you write these blogs
This was a good one. My family has been waiting for another installment in the series!
We are so blessed to hear these stories and get to see how that there is goodness in the world! Thank you for sharing your family.