Recently, I read this quote, "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." The quote was credited to Jon Kabat-Zinn. As a person who appreciates the sound of the ocean, respectfully admires the power of waves, and enjoys beaches with limitations (due to my inability to swim), this quote caused me to almost freeze. After all, if you can't swim, can you really learn to surf? Most would respond, "No!" or perhaps, "It's not advised."
No worries, no plans to purchase a surfboard any time soon, but again this quote really caused me to ask "Is this quote applicable to other areas of living, thinking, and engaging?" There are components of life we can not stop, halt, or avoid, so we have a choice. Learn to surf in life or not. Surfing reflects mastery, challenge, fun, and engagement with a forceful body of water that has the capacity to overtake you and even cause drowning.
In life, we encounter death, disappointment, diagnoses, delays, detours, and even deviations. When this happens it may feel like we are being overtaken, and pulled away by a wave; separated from peace, the safety of our plans, and the comfort of familiarity.
Let's choose to learn from a surfer's stance in response to life's waves this week. A surfer's stance considers body positioning, movement, and footing. Likewise, we don't want to cower to life's waves, failing to embrace the joy and hope that accompanies every waking morning. We must not freeze and lock ourselves in place when a life wave approaches. Surfers are most successful when they are fluid, flexible, and complementary in movement with the wave. How do we partner with life waves for optimal results, desired outcomes, and our peace and joy intact?
We choose to trust God. We have faith in His promise to keep us. We seek wisdom. We master self-control, patience, and meekness. We embrace and appreciate His grace. We learn, grow, and move forward.
This week, I chose to ride the waves of life. I will keep my posture, face the uncertainty, and trust the One who counted me able to sustain it to shore!
We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. James 5:11 (NLT)
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