We rented a pontoon this past weekend. It’s something we do each summer. We enjoy the time on the water; laughing, snacking and just “being”with family and friends. 

We picked it up Friday night and headed out Saturday afternoon. That day, it was just my husband, my dog and I. 

Perfection. 

There is nothing more relaxing to me than the sound of the waves hitting the boat, the breeze and the sun on my face. 

We drove to one of the lakes we love and put the boat in, only to find that it wouldn’t start. After much trial and error, we figured out why and got it going. 

What a Relief!

As we were slowly making our way out into the middle of the lake, the clouds started encircling us. I saw lightning in the distance and the wind picked up. 

The “perfect storm” for me…… I can’t swim and I am not a fan of storms….. And here we are…..in the middle of the water. 

I got nervous 😩. 

I sheepishly started looking for the life jackets and stressing out a bit. I sat down, relaxed, and then remembered one of my favorite bible verses. 

Everything will be fine. 

I thought of how Peter walked on water towards Jesus, but as he became afraid and panicked, he started to sink. Once he put his focus back on Jesus, the winds ceased and the waters became calm. 

All was well.

That sparked something inside of me that I feel I need to share. 

Many years ago, while reading the Bible my Grandma had given to me, I found that verse. And it was so empowering. 

I hadn’t thought of it in awhile, until Saturday. 

We can jump. We can try new things. It’s ok to take a chance. We always have something bigger than us to “catch” us. 

If we “fall out” of the boat, God’s got us. Think of the power that gives each one of us!

Many times in life, we find ourselves in the middle of a storm. Sometimes it feels as though there is no relief in sight. 

But, there is….we just have to go “through” the rain and wind first, to grow and appreciate the sunlight. 

What I have learned, over and over and over again, is this…

The whole time the lightning is striking, the wind is blowing and you are trying to control the situation (by reaching for a life jacket), Jesus is already walking towards you. 

He knows just what to do. 

He’ll lift you out of the water, he’ll dry your eyes and He most certainly will calm the storm.
The other spin on my thoughts this past Saturday revolve around taking chances. 

“Jump” came to mind. 

Just jump.

 One of these times, I’m just going to jump into the water and swim. What’s the worst thing that could happen? What am I so afraid of?

I don’t know. You see, I don’t know how to swim(at all)and even though I LOVE everything about the water, the unknown parts of it paralyze me. So, I decide to stay safe and dry…in the boat. 

Sounds a bit like life sometimes,hey?

  The depth, what’s lurking in it, will I sink…or would I swim?

I believe it’s ok to try. Even if you need to take it slow. 

As with everything in this beautiful life, I have recently learned to just “jump”.

 Just believe. 

I know that whatever I do, whatever I decide, I can jump into the unknown with the knowledge that it will always be ok. God will catch me. 

If you want to excel, you have to get uncomfortable. 

If you want to succeed, you have to do today what others won’t, so you can do tomorrow what others can’t. 

And, if you want to walk on water, you’re gonna have to GET OUT OF THE BOAT!

Best advice ever. 

And yes, I’ll take it. 😉

Go after life and your goals like you can already walk on water, like the storm will be stopped for you to pass, and like you are a champion swimmer. 

Jump. 

We all have a lifeguard, just waiting to rescue us. 

Step 

Out

Of

The 

Boat 🚣 
Much love,

Linda💜