Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.
-Mathew 14:25
Mathew 14:22-33 has always held a special place for me. As a man of faith who is absolutely fallible, I identify with Peter. Having such fierce faith to be willing to go against all my instincts at an instant, yet still weak enough to let fear still work its way in. But as a surfer, I’m absolutely drawn to Jesus as He walks on the waves. And as I am “walking” or more accurately gliding across the water I don’t know if it’s the religious decals on my board or a prayer in the lineup, I’m able to spark conversations with those around me. Either way I’ve come to view the water as a physical depiction of my faith. Its both calming and raging. Seemingly infinite. Powerful. Full of life. And like the salt that’s in it compared to the salt in our bodies, literally part of me. Accordingly, some of my deepest moments of prayer and self reflection take place when I’m on the water, as such, there are times when I just need to be out there. Last Wednesday was one of those moments. Unfortunately living in the northeast, this time of year isn’t always conducive for this.
Didn’t matter.
Winter storm expected later in the day. Have to go.
So, I put on my wetsuit, threw a pair of shorts and T-shirt over it so I didn’t look like a kook as I walked the two blocks, grabbed my paddle board and headed to the water. As a trudged along all I could think of how rough the water was going to be based on how windy it was becoming, but like I said it was something I had to do. I needed it. Amazingly as started my paddle down the canal to get out to the bay the wind died down and the water was like glass. Cold. But smooth as glass. For the next couple of miles as I glided along I was able to pray and contemplate. The only interruption was when stopped to take pictures. It was awesome. There are few words to express the way I feel spiritually after spending time on the water. The closest way to describe it is I feel like I’ve been in the presence of God. Days later, as I sit and reflect I still feel it and the only word that comes to mind is awesome. Thanks for listening, and remember to live your faith. God bless.
Faith like Water 