Surfing 101

While recently vacationing on the east coast, I got to do something that’s been on my bucket list for ten years—take a surf lesson. Forty-two degrees outdoors, water temp in the 50’s, wetsuit including boots and gloves . . . totally worth it. The only other one I saw in the ocean beside the instructor and me was a dolphin to greet us.

Once my instructor gave me the Surfing 101 lesson on form and method, we stepped into the water with my board. Normally the “ocean rule” is to look at what’s coming your way, but not this time. That was my instructor’s job. If I were going to get on the surfboard, I had to maintain the singular focus of listening to my guide’s voice and doing what he said.

He took me to just the right spot and began pushing me into the waves repeating two directives at just the right times: “Paddle. . . Stand up.” Over and over again, I tried to follow those instructions. When I fell, I went back to my guide to try again. There were a few times when I thought to myself, “What am I doing out here?” That thought usually came after a freezing wave would rush over my head or when I’d hit the hard sandy ocean floor after falling off the board. But, I knew that my guide knew what he was doing and if I listened to him and did what he said, I’d be better for it in the end.

At one point, he paused from instructing and showed me by demonstrating how to surf a wave, allowing me to see an example of someone skilled. When I eventually got my feet on the board, I got so excited that I jumped for joy . . . off the board! Oops! Well, we got a good laugh at my overly enthusiastic response. With even more confidence in my guide, I got back on the board to try it again . . . again . . . and again.

When I got back to our place for a hot shower (which I’ve never desired more in my life), I began processing this experience. I loved trying to surf and can’t wait for another lesson, but I’m equally excited about the indelible picture etched in my mind from this experience of what our greatest Guide, Jesus Christ does for His children. He gives us instruction; He carries us into the waters of life; He faces the circumstances that are coming our way. Our caring Guide, wanting us to do well, positions us in the right spot and directs us in the right way. Our singular focus must be on listening to HIS voice and doing what HE says if we want to succeed.

Jesus willingly came to show us a perfect example. He knew we needed to see how to live life well, especially when doubts come crashing over us like waves. Our skilled Guide did what he instructs us to do: Listen to His Heavenly Father, do His will, and finish His work.

Now it’s our time to follow. When, not if, we slip while trying to honor Him, we know where to go—back to the One facing the waves. When, not if, we succeed during this process, we know where to go—back to the One rejoicing with us.

My surf instructor proved himself trustworthy and I would have been lost out there without his help. Our Guide, Jesus Christ, has proven Himself faithful, and He instructs, guides, counsels, and watches over us. Listening to His voice and doing what He says is totally worth it! Next on the bucket list: swimming with the dolphins!