We were on holiday this week and had a wonderful time. One day in the swimming pool we discovered a deep slide into the water. I looked at the age restriction (3-15 years) and decided it would be safe for all three of my boys to try.

So I sent the bravest child down first on his own (with his swim jacket on.) It was much steeper and deeper than I thought. He arrived in swirling water totally terrified. I was still at the top.

Once he had surfaced, he started to scream in panic. There was only a small divide between the section he was in and the rapids for strong swimmers. I shouted ‘Hold her!’ to my Father-in-law, giving him Esther and ran down the steps, jumping into the water to grab my precious Ben.

“I’m so sorry darling!” I shouted as I clung to him. He continued to cry in my arms for a while until he got his breath back. To my total surprise, Tom, who had watched all this, decided that he now wanted a go. He found a small boy nearby who sweetly leant him a pair of goggles and he then launched himself down the slide, totally confident now that I was in the water to catch him.

Not to be outdone, Ben then decided that he too ought to have another, more dignified turn. All went well. Big smiles. Triumph and bravery!
Sam, not to be outshone, had six turns.
That evening we held a family award ceremony to encourage each other about new things we had done. Guess who got the bravery award?!

Challenges look very different when you know someone is going to catch you and has gone before.

There is nothing that you and I will ever face where God is not ahead, waiting for us. You may feel that you are sliding into the unknown at a pace you don’t like, in a way you don’t understand. Join the club!

But your Father has EVERLASTING arms. They are strong, powerful and ready and waiting for you. So just enjoy the ride. You are safe!