We took a family vacation last weekend down to the coast. My children, (ages 3 and 5) had only been to the ocean once before, in Washington and Oregon where despite it's breathtaking beauty, the water is much too cold for "little Texans" to swim in. It is wonderful to look at, but a little more challenging to fully experience it. Considering that last beach trip had been two years ago, my kids had forgotten or just didn't realize the magnificence of experiencing, in person, one of God's most amazing creations, the ocean!
As we were approaching our destination, getting closer to the edge of dry land, Loren & Luke were getting oh so excited about seeing the bay and different little inlets of sea water. They kept saying, "it's the ocean, it's the ocean!" They were so excited about a very small piece of the actual gulf. They really thought that was where we were going, just to see those smaller inlets of water. It was not until we arrived at our condo, changed into our suits and set out for our first beach adventure that reality struck them. As we made our way over the boardwalk that lead out to the sandy beach, the path lead us up hill and then reached a point at the top where, at that moment, you can finally see the full view of the ocean waves in all their glory. As we walked up, and could hear the roar of the waves crashing, I could see the excitement building in them, although I could tell they still had no idea of truly what they were about to encounter. When we finally reached the full view of the ocean, their faces lit up like nothing I've ever seen. They both went absolutely nuts! They were squealing, "the waves, the waves!" and ran as fast as they could out to them. Nothing else mattered to them except getting to that water, as fast as they could!
At that moment, God spoke to my spirit. You see, my little children were getting so excited over something they thought was the final reward but it was only a preface to the grand plan that was really waiting for them. If they had simply settled for the smaller inlets and bay, they would have missed out on the brilliant beauty that lay just ahead and beyond in the ocean.
We are that way, aren't we? Don't we tend to "settle" for going through the motions of life, for what is most comfortable to us? Wouldn't it be worth it to take a little risk and go all the way, with God. He has a powerful, Holy Spirit-guided, adventure of a life awaiting us, if only we didn't stop, but kept moving toward Him, seeking true intimacy with Him and getting as close to the "real deal" as possible. Then, when we see His power, His glory, in all it's splendor, we can run toward Him, with all our might, just like my little children did, throwing off everything that bogs us down and jump right on in and thoroughly enjoy complete satisfaction that we can only find in His presence!
Job 42:10
"I had only heard about you before,but now I have seen you with my own eyes."
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