The Wakeboarding Metaphor

Have you ever noticed that in order to get up and out of the water on skis or a wakeboard, the skier needs to let the boat pull them out of the water gently? If you try to stand up on your own or force yourself out of the water, you fall flat on your face. As I sat on the ski boat this weekend and watched my kids wakeboard, I noticed that in order to get up and out of the water on the board, you have to let the boat “pull you up” vs. try to stand up on your own or stand up too fast.

This “let the boat pull you out” vs. use your force to get out, became a metaphor for how to handle difficult situations in life. How is it for us when we let our higher power “pull us out” vs. try to control things ourselves?

Think of a time in your life or a situation you are struggling with right now. Are you trying to take control with force? Or, are you trusting in the love of God and letting God’s grace “pull you up” gently?

What happens if we practice praying for what we want things to look and feel like and then trust in a higher power to “pull us out” when the timing is right? This trust in God, the divine, or a higher power requires us to be fluid and flexible. We are not alone. We are not always in control. Sometimes we fight and try so hard, when perhaps we would benefit by slowing down, connecting with our higher power in our heart and our soul and letting ourselves be pulled or directed gently to the place we need to be. Try, as we often do, to take control of the timing, and the outcome, and notice what happens. Learn to trust, be patient and be guided … what happens then?

Daily Word, Aug. 11, 2009
GRACE
Thank You, God, for Your grace.
Dear God, Your grace transforms my consciousness. In moments of contemplation and prayer, I feel Your presence within, and I am healed and whole. I open to wisdom and Your light shows me the way. I claim abundance and feel Your love supporting me.
Your grace blesses me abundantly and completely.
The people and situations I hold in prayer are being uplifted and transformed by Your loving, healing presence.
Thank You, God, for Your grace, which gently leads me through any time of uncertainty. I see beyond current circumstances and know that all is well.
"And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth."--John 1:14