The Ocean of Opportunity

The Lord Almighty is with us.

Psalm 46:7

Clara is just as relaxed out of the water!

I smile as I watch them, so different in their relationship to the water. Clara is a fish. She jumps in without reservation like her body was made for the wide open water. Carynne is bullrush. She wades on the steps as her temperament prefers the safety of shoreline. 


They are in the middle of two weeks of swim lessons. Clara is clearly at the top of the class. Carynne is...well I'll just be positive and say she gets a ribbon for 6th place. There was this one day last week though when her ability suddenly surged. At one and only one lesson she exhibited incredible confidence and peace. What made the difference?


The presence of her father.


I traveled over the weekend. Before I left, I invited God to interact with my heart and in my circumstances. I asked Him to open my eyes to people who needed a touch from Him in their ordinary day. 


Honestly I would have rather waded on the steps - read my book, talked to no one and landed at my destination in solitude. At best my natural inclination to help others is 6th place. I saw a mom juggle her baby and bags - I offered to take the bags. My row mate missed beverage service - I ordered her one anyway. What made the difference?


The presence of my Father.


When I'm standing in the laundry room surrounded by more piles of laundry than I have family members, the presence of my father turns drudgery into gratitude.


When I'm stuck in traffic and know my schedule is getting tossed, the presence of my father pervades my worry with peace.


When I'm standing at the shoreline uncertain if an ordinary woman can make any difference, the presence of my father floods my fear with confidence.


The presence of our Father eases us from the shore of the ordinary into the ocean of opportunity.


Into what ordinary task can you invite God today?