When we first got into the pool at my sister’s house this afternoon our youngest son, Austin, did not want to even put his whole face under water. He certainly wasn’t sure about putting his ears under water.
He has only dunked his entire head under water once before… and that was only for about a second. It’s been a challenge he has wanted to overcome, but had not yet. In fact, at one point, he told us he just couldn’t do it.
Then today happened.
As we kept encouraging him and giving him opportunities, we could see his desire to go under water completely growing. We practiced holding breath. Soon, he had his whole face under. Then he elevated his game and held his face under water to the count of 15! Then it was over his ears. Next, only the crown of his head was still out of the water.
Suddenly, it was like realization hit him & he understood that he was okay. As that realization sank in, what he had once feared became fun. It seemed like it happened in just a moment’s time. He was sitting on the bottom of the shallow end of the pool, completely submerged. He would pop up out of the water and excited say, “Watch me, Daddy! Look what I can do!” And down he would go again.
Joy replaced fear. Confidence overcame caution. It was as if his skills instantly multiplied. He began swimming under water. He began twirling under water like one of those Olympic synchronized swimmers.
When we got back to my folks’ house and he was grabbing a snack before bed, Austin looked at me and said, “Daddy, wouldn’t be cool if I could jump off the side of the pool and do two backflips in the air before I went into the water?”
Who is this fish who has replaced my son?! I love to see another fear vanquished in his life so that he can enjoy the abundant life God has for him.
And what about you? What fear is it that has you held captive, preventing you from enjoying that abundant life? What is whispering in your ear that you can’t overcome it?
Is it the fear that people wouldn’t like you if they knew “the real you?” Is it the fear that, if you launch that business, it might fail? Is it the fear that those who see you use your talents may not be impressed? Is it the fear of trying something new? Or the fear of letting go of something known and comfortable?
God doesn’t create fear or cause fear in us. That’s the work of the enemy of our souls. God gives us the power we need to overcome our challenges and gives us an abundant life to enjoy as we press past those fears.
So, whatever your fears, Austin would be quick to tell you to push past them because it is so much fun on the other side. Now he’s free to enjoy something he didn’t think he was able to before. And you will be, too! Just hold your breath and go for it!!!
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I really enjoy your post. They always seem to be what I need to hear.
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Awesome! So glad to hear it. Thanks for the feedback. It’s encouraging!
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Being a water safety instructor and seeing hundreds of non swimmers overcome their fear, I can relate so well.
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