Dear Rose Park,
This past weekend, Sam and I took the kids to the pool at Macatawa Legends. It was a beautiful day, and the cool water felt refreshing in the hot summer sun. As we took a break near our chairs, Sam told the kids she had a proposition for them.
Sam said, “if Winnie can be brave and go down the slide, we can all get ice cream on the way home.” At this, Simon became giddy and Winnie started to quiver. The slide has been Winnie’s summer nemesis. It lurks on the north side of the pool taunting her, almost daring her to climb. After biting her nails for a bit, Winnie gritted her teeth, made a fist, and said, “Ok, I’ll do it.” She took me by the hand and we walked to the slide together. This isn’t your traditional slide with a ladder. It’s more of a McDonalds playland/jungle gym ladder. Before she climbed up, we agreed that I would catch her at the bottom of the slide.
So, I got in the water and waited at the bottom of the slide. I saw her climb up and she gave me a few thumbs-up along the way. I saw her at the top and she put on her goggles. I waited. Then I heard it. She was crying at the top of the slide. I looked up and saw her tears and heard her say, “Daddy! I can’t do it, I’m too scared!” We talked it out for a few seconds, but eventually Winnie climbed down with tears trickling down her cheeks. She was sad. She was scared. She was even a little mad. My heart hurt for her. So, we sat on the side of the pool and talked. After a minute or two, she decided to try again. I kissed her on the cheek and told her I was proud of her for trying again. She climbed up. I got in the water. I heard it again. “Daddy! I can’t do it, I’m too scared!” She climbed back down. This happened four times until we decided to take a break for the day. As I wrapped her in a towel and held her on my lap, I was reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
I imagine all of us have experienced the fear Winnie felt in preparation for the slide. Maybe you’re scared about what might happen after the November election. Maybe you’re worried about what might happen to your children when you’re not there to protect them. Maybe you’re anxious about what the doctor might say at the next appointment. Or maybe you’re fearful about a new school year, a new job, a new chapter in life. Wherever you are in life I hope you would always remember that because of the faithful and loving presence of God the waters of life will never sweep over us and the fires will never burn us. Our heavenly Father has always been with us, is with us, and will always be with us not out of a sense of obligation or guilt, but instead because He deeply loves us as His own children.
I hope Winnie tries again this weekend. It’s her last chance before the pool closes for the season and I hope to celebrate with her over ice cream. So, whether you’re a freshman in high school scared about starting a new school year at a new building, an aging grandparent scared about the future of our country, or just a four-year-old girl scared to go down the water slide might you always find comfort in the faithful presence of God.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark
Photo by Konrad Burdyn on Unsplash