Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV
I have just returned from a quick weekend trip to the beach. It is November and I live on the East Coast, so a trip to the beach this time of year is not considered “in season”. All of the arcades and ice cream shops are closed up tight. The beach is mostly deserted, with lonely cold waves rolling into shore, but no one to jump in them. The outdoor pool at the hotel has been winterized and covered for the cold winter months. As I looked out onto the barren pool deck with the gray pool cover drawn tightly over the pool, I was drawn to a little oasis in the middle of the deck. It was a beautiful spot of landscaping amidst the stark bleakness of the late fall landscaping and empty pool deck.
As I looked at this landscape oasis complete with palm trees and bright flowers, I saw a sign which read, “No jumping”. A quick glance around explained the sign–It makes sense that in-season, this oasis is very near the outdoor pool and an adventurer could probably envision a climb to the not-too-high-edge for a jump into the pool nearby. A miss on this adventure would definitely result in injury. However, as I looked at the sign and the beautiful landscaping that surrounds the sign, I started thinking about life and how this little oasis reminds me of life. Isn’t it common that we get to a beautiful place and just park ourselves to enjoy the view? We erect a sign in our hearts that says, “No jumping”. We have taken the adventure to arrive at the location and now we don’t want to move.
I think about the journey I’ve been on for going on five years. I’m tired. I have reached the other side – at least I think I have. “No jumping!” While at first, the self-imposed “no jumping” may seem okay. I just want to sit back and relax. Enjoy the view. But, the “no jumping” keeps me in the safe zone, not trying anything that stretches me. Very comfortable. When I am in this “no jumping” zone, I’m relying on me and what I can see and do for myself. God isn’t required as much in the “no jumping” zone.
God wants us to enjoy the view and find joy in the journey, but He also wants us to keep going. So, as much as I hate to leave this spot, I know God doesn’t want me to stay here. He wants me to jump – into His arms, into His plan for me, into life, into joy. He wants me to take Him on the journey.
So, if you find yourself in the little oasis, next to the “no jumping” sign. Sit for a minute. Have a spirit of thankfulness. Rest. Rejuvenate. Then, pick yourself up and “jump” into the plan the Master has for you. It’s going to be great! It always is! Even in trials, God turns it to joy!
So, jump with me! There are many sisters along the way to support you and encourage you. Don’t be afraid to jump – it’s a good thing!
Dear Lord, Thank You for allowing me moments in a beautiful oasis where I can rest and stay. Thank You, also, for encouraging me to “jump” into Your arms and Your plan for my life. Amen
Archive: Originally posted on awidowsmight.org in November 2015