
Dive In…


Even though I usually a put my toe in the water kind of gal, I think the dive in method is better. On those hot days in Texas when we had a pool, I remember taking a dive into the water and feeling the cool, refreshing water surround me as I went in and came back up. When you dive in, there is no question that you are all in. You are there to swim not mess around by just putting your toe in the water. You don’t waste anytime with indecision but fully enjoy your time in the water. Think about it. Who looks like they are having the most fun?
I think friendships can be like that. The other day I realized that I was just dipping my toe in the water in a relationship. It was like I was testing the water out with my friend. I am not sure why, but I was holding back. Most likely it was insecurities on my end. Sometimes I come at relationships with expectations when instead my priority should be what kind of friend I am. God calls us to love deeply with no if’s, and’s or but’s. In this case, I needed to dive in and stop holding back. Truthfully, it was a little scary but also just what I needed and hopefully what she needed too. When I put my toe in the water with a friend, it is about me. When I dive in, it is more about them. I get that there are times for boundaries, but more often then not I need to dive in and live life. Friendship is much more rewarding and fun when you are all in.
Is there an area where you need to dive in? Maybe you are on a new team and you are not sure if you even like this new place. You are cautious in getting to know your teammates or give your input. Maybe at church you are feeling a disconnect and not sure if you this is where you need to be. You aren’t really sure if you want to engage with those around you. Or maybe in your marriage, you are keeping your partner at arms length. You have had belly flops in the past and not sure if you want to chance another one. What if you are missing out on living life fully because you are putting your foot in the water when what you need to do is take a leap of faith into the water and enjoy the life God has for you?
Maybe you need to dive in with God. You are a follower of Jesus but are not sure if you want to take up that cross daily. It is no secret that God wants us all in. Deuteronomy 6:5 says,
“And you shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your might.” (NAS)(Emphasis mine)
He wants all of our hearts, all of our souls, and all of our might. In Revelation 3, John tells us that God wants us hot or cold, none of this lukewarm stuff. He wants all or nothing. He wants us to dive into life with him without holding back. Really, we have no excuse. God dove in at the beginning. From creation, He had a plan to make things right between us and Him. He even gave His only Son so we could have a relationship with Him. So go ahead, dive in.
Where do you need to dive in? Where have you been cautious just putting your toe in first but finally dove in and are glad you did? I would love to hear your story in the comments.
Dear God, May I dive in with you. May I love you with all my heart, soul and might. May I live life with you fully. Show me those areas where I am hesitant and you want me to go for it. May each day be a day fully lived for you. Amen