October 22, 2024

Dear Friends,

Tim and Laura have their three girls enrolled in a terrific swimming lesson program at the Jewish Cultural Centre (something they picked up from Joel and Rachel, I believe). The girls are doing much better there — learning more and progressing more quickly in their skill development. Two of the girls like it quite a bit. I’ll leave it to you to figure out which one is less than enamoured with the whole deal (which just goes to show that excellence in instruction does not lead to motivation to execute).

Anyway, last week, Sharon was able to get over to the facility and to watch the girls. As a former swim instructor, she was definitely impressed. Later, when recounting the things she observed to yours truly, she could barely contain her laughter as she told me this tidbit.

After the lesson was over, Elly came out of the change room to her waiting grandma. In a conspiratorial tone, she confessed, matter of factly, “Grandma, I actually let them pour more water over my head and face because I knew you were watching.”

Now, of course, there are at least two ways to interpret that enigmatic statement. I (keep in mind that I wasn’t present for this interaction) interpreted her to mean, “I really didn’t like this, grandma (and she REALLY doesn’t like water in her face), but I did it for you.” My wife, who was there, interpreted it as, “I really didn’t like this, grandma, but I did it because of you.”

Last night, Sharon told me that she has both been laughing about that matter of fact explanation all weekend but also that she has been encouraged by it. That makes me think of two passages of scripture. In the first, at the lowest point in his life as a fugitive in the wilderness, when his plans had fallen through and even his men were talking of stoning him, Samuel records, “But David found strength in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6). In the second passage, Paul, at the end of his life, on trial for his faith, says, “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, …” (2 Timothy 4:16-17)

What are you facing this week? Grief? Fear? Doubt? Loss? Your own sinfulness or failure or inadequacy? Uncertainty? You have Someone even better than an interested and loving grandmother who is watching you. He loves you, no matter what. He wants you to grow through this. He will never leave you or forsake you. He invites you to cast your cares upon him. Now, my friend, it’s up to you to encourage yourself in the Lord and to find strength in him.

Blessings!

Doug