Seriously, All I Have to Do is Jump In

There is nothing like a hot summer in south Texas. Yes, I’m one of the weird ones who love it! I long for the months of May – September where it’s warm and the beach and pools beckon me to them.

A few weeks ago my daughter and I stole a couple of hours and hit the pool. We got all situated with our lounge chairs, towels, sun screen and sunglasses. After laying by the pool for what seemed like hours because it was so hot (94 with a heat index of 102 that day) I was dripping sweat. I made a comment to my daughter about the heat and how I hated to sweat. She said, “Mom, all you have to do is jump in.”

I made up some excuses why I didn’t want to “jump in” at the moment. So, I continued to lay there and sweat, while gazing at the cool, pure, refreshing water in the pool. Yes,  I could have jumped in and put myself out of the misery I was in, but I just didn’t feel like it at the moment. Just knowing the cool water was there seemed to be enough at the moment. I’d get to it eventually.

My daughter dove in and seemed to be instantly refreshed. I, however, continued to lay there and sweat. I was comfortable enjoying the scorching sun. While I watched my daughter an image came to me of how Jesus is the one and only true, pure, and living water supply in my life. That thought alone brought refreshment to my soul.

The thought wouldn’t leave me. It’s as if Jesus wanted me to grasp more about this pool of refreshing water that was just yards in front of me. As I reflected on the scenario I thought Yes, the refreshment is so close. Yes, I am uncomfortably hot. Yes, my daughter suggested I jump in. Yes, I know, I know — I’m choosing not to.

That’s when the picture came into full view. This moment at the pool was a reflection of my spiritual life in many seasons. Those seasons where — maybe you have them too — things get out of control. Either a circumstance rattles your world and throws you off course or just the busyness of life creeps in. Before I know it, I’m running with the situation trying to survive and little by little my time diving into the Living Water fades. Before long my life seems chaotic, sometimes even hot and messy. I feel parched and barren. Invariably I’ll share my situation with a friend or mentor and they’ll ask in one way or another, “How is your quiet time with God” What? Why are they asking that — didn’t they hear my hearts cry through my story. 

However, I think what they are trying to say is (like my daughter did) JUMP IN. But just like me putting off jumping in the pool, I do that with jumping back into God’s word for the ultimate refreshment in those times when I’m dry and parched. My thoughts are probably more along the lines of Yeah, yeah — I know. As soon as I have more time or I can think clearer I will. I’ll jump back in later.

Like the cool water of the pool that was right before me and I chose not to jump in, that’s what I do when I put off diving into the Living Water that will refresh and wash me free of all those cares that weigh me down.

If you are feeling parched during this season, remember to jump back in to the Living Water. It’s right there waiting on you.

Seriously, all you have to do is jump in!