Friends
It’s the start of summer for school children across the nation, time to play summer sports and enjoy some fun in the sun. These early June days always remind me of my happy times as a “Pool Mom,” coordinating our summer league swim team and watching over my little boy as he paddled through the water. This Monday is a special day, my son Jonathan’s 34th birthday! This special occasion reminded me of a sweet summer day shortly after his third birthday that marked the start of his swimming career. It’s a precious motherhood memory, and a summertime story sure to bring a smile.
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“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Psalm 56:3 – NIV
“From the moment we stuck his little feet into the baby pool, Jonathan had taken to the water like a little fish. I hadn’t bothered about swim lessons because Jonathan had his own personal instructor, his dad. Eric had taught swim lessons during the summers of our college years. While Eric hadn’t started formal lessons with him yet, Jonathan had been jumping off the side of the pool to us, and Eric had practiced some floating exercises with him. He loved being in the deep water and regularly begged me to take him out there to play.
One afternoon, I sat on the end of a lounge chair next to the water’s edge while Jonathan played near the shallow steps. As I chatted with the other pool moms, I noticed Jonathan leaning over, sticking his head under water, and paddling his arms with fury. Abruptly, he would stand up, catch his breath, and then repeat the maneuver again. Knowing he was perfectly safe in the shallow water, I didn’t intervene, but continued to watch him closely. What was he up to?
After repeating the process five or six times, he moved over to the railing. Holding the railing with both hands, he stretched his body out and began kicking hard, sending sprays of water onto the pool deck near my feet. He stopped, stood up and turned to watch the big kids swimming in the deep water for a few moments. Without a word, he grabbed the railing again and restarted his kicking routine.
I thought to myself, “I think he’s trying to swim!” Leaving my perch, I stepped down into the water beside my busy little boy. Reaching for him, I asked, “Hey buddy! Want to go swim in the big water?”
He was all for that idea, and off we went to the other side of the pool.
He barely waited for me to jump in the water before flinging himself in my direction. Usually, I would reach out and catch him, but this time, I pulled back when he hit the water, allowing him to sink under the surface for a moment. With lightning speed, Jonathan reached out his arms and began to paddle hard. Adding the kicking action, he propelled himself through the water headed straight for me. I stepped back a couple of steps, and he kept swimming toward me. Amazed, I scooped him up out of the water and exclaimed, “Oh buddy, you’re swimming! You’re really swimming! Wow!”
His grin was a mile wide as he clasped his little arms around my neck for a tight hug. Pulling his head back to look at me, his eyes gleaming with pride, “I wanna do it again, Mama! I wanna do it again!”
Jonathan’s swimming days had begun!” (APS, 2022)*
Three-year-old Jonathan stood on that pool deck, facing that deep water, completely unafraid. Why? Because he trusted that I would be there waiting to catch him with open arms. He knew full well that nothing, absolutely nothing, could stop me from reaching out and lifting him out of that deep water. Fear had no hold on him, because he was totally assured of his mother’s unconditional love.
Perhaps such three-year-old trust is something us adults need to learn to emulate. Our Heavenly Father knows full well when we face the deep waters of adversity and affliction. He is not surprised by the trials that threaten to pull us under. Furthermore, He promises to stand ready to wade through the adversity with us, never leaving us to falter, always willing to lift us up and offer His peace. His love is unconditional, His strength is unwavering. Our part of the equation is to reach out in trust and allow Him to lift our heads above the tempestuous waters.
Friends, are you facing challenges right now that test your strength and threaten your peace? Reach out in trust to the One who stands ready to receive you with open arms. Be confident that God goes with you, and He will see you through it one day at a time, one wave at a time.
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“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 – NIV
PRAYER
O loving Father, thank You for the exuberance of youth, for the unbridled joy of little boys and girls who bring smiles to our faces and light into our lives. May we come to You with hearts like little children, trusting in Your faithfulness, greeting each new day with joy and hope. Help us to stand on Your promises, trust in Your plan, rest in Your presence, and cling to Your hand.
In the Trustworthy Name of Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Blessings,
Anita
*Excerpt from the story “Pool Time” in Chapter 6 of “Rough Places Smooth: Moments In A Journey Through Blindness.” By Anita Peden Sherer.
© 2022 by Anita Peden Sherer
All Rights Reserved.
-APS 6/9/2025
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