When I was a kid in the 1950s, there was unfortunately no air conditioning except in the dime store uptown to escape to and hide in until the onslaught of blistering temperatures subsided. So, when summer did not offer any relief from the sultry afternoons in central Illinois, carloads of people headed for "the spot", a fun destination on the lake near us where many people went swimming. Sitting on a blanket on the bank, parents kept a watchful eye on those they brought — usually their own kids as well as the neighbour's kids. Bobbing heads were everywhere, to the point that I'm sure that it was hard to keep track of everyone, and eyes strained to keep up.

I remember one such day in my life when I could well have been a casualty of this chaotic scene. I couldn't swim, but I walked happily to the warm water with the crowd that was already splashing about with great fun and laughter. Bobbing with the waves, I did not realize that I was getting out over my head. My little toes reached to touch the muddy bottom, but in vain. I realized that the safety of the shallower water was several feet toward the bank. Among so many, no one noticed that I could not keep my head above water or that I was in great danger of drowning. I kicked and sputtered to no avail for quite some time until my toes finally touched. I don't believe that I ever told anyone until now about that scary time in my childhood, but the movie reels in my head relive it once in a while when I see happy people bobbing in the water.

Sometimes, as we splash along in life, we are lured forward by the pull of worldly cares. As we head that way sometimes, we innocently drift, not paying attention to our attitudes changing or our good habits waning at the call of other things. Our head bobs under time and time again, threatening our spiritual well-being. As we struggle alone to touch the bottom to right ourselves, no one notices our struggle. Just one among many in the sea of humanity, we try desperately to get back to the shore from where we have drifted. If you're still drifting, know that Jesus is waiting with open arms for your return.

Peter found himself in just such a situation, when, to save his own life, he turned his back on Jesus and three times denied that he knew Him. Earlier that evening, our Saviour had predicted that Peter would do this very thing, but He added, "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." (Luke 22:32 NKJV)

If you have returned towards shore to the waiting arms of Jesus and rejoiced as your toes touched solid ground, then look around you, and strengthen a drifting brother or sister who is struggling alongside you.

Prayer: Precious Jesus, we know how easily we can drift away from Your amazing grace and loving arms. It can happen so gradually that we don't realize that we have lost You as our solid ground. May we be alert to the devil and wise to his tricks. Amen.

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About the author:

Jeanie Nihiser <jnihiserj@gmail.com>
Geneseo, New York, USA
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