My grandchildren stand at the water’s edge watching small shells disappear into the surf washed sand, and yell into the wind as if it was how you joined the choir of the universe.
Waves bigger than life pound at their feet, but there is no fear as long as Granddaddy is holding them.
They don’t know about flesh-eating bacteria, or great white sharks, or how to watch for anything that might steal life from someone you love. Fear is foreign to them – a language they are learning, but do not yet not speak well. Mostly, they know the joy of discovery and play.
Waves pounding the shore are a means to jump higher, and not anchors to pull you under. Salty water is fun to lick from your lips, and they never fear that it might invade their lungs.
Their mother and I stand far enough to allow them a sporty adventure, and close enough to pick them up should the adventure make sport of them.
Their souls live free because they trust us.
They don’t look before they cross the street,and they run unafraid into the crashing waves. No wave can turn them away, even though it is bigger than them, because they trust the one who holds them in his hands. There is no preparation, because they know they are cared for.
Sometimes, when we fear, we build bridges we will never cross.
We grow older; and, we hear news of tragedy; and, we build walls to protect ourselves and our family. We build as if salvation, protection and provision are ours alone to fight and achieve. We waste energy and precious time trying to hide from danger and fear, instead of facing it, knowing we are held in God’s right hand.
The truth is, we sacrifice our freedom on the altar to fear when we measure the size of the waves instead of the size of His hands.
It is in God’s hands we find our freedom from fear by the work done on the Cross of Christ.
When we measure the waves by the size of our hands fear will always have the upper hand. It’s when we begin to measure the waves by the Word then we discover that their impact was little more than a ripple in the water and not a huge wave after all.
I marvel at our little ones in the waves and wonder when I lost part of my freedom. When did worry become more important than wonder? And, I wonder if I can go back to the days of laughter and light-hearted joy.
I step into the cool of the water’s edge all the way up to my waist, and I begin to allow the waves to push me higher.
“But Jesus said, ‘Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14
How do you keep play in your life? Where do you have child-like faith?
Linking with Laura, Holley, Kelli, Jennifer, and Emily

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Wow Diane, I need to hear this over and over again! I want to go back to wonder again too! Worry is so sneaky and steals that wonder away, but you are so right, we are in very Good Hands! Love this, “We waste energy and precious time trying to hide from danger and fear, instead of facing it, knowing we are held in God’s right hand.” That’s courage!
The irony, Paula? Is that we learn courage best in the face of fear. Thank you for stopping by and commenting today!
“When did worry become more important than wonder?”
Yes, this.
Just the other day, my husband invited me on a bike ride. I declined… I was afraid I might fall like I did two years ago. I wonder what I missed.
Oh Sandy! Get back on that bike and Ride, Girl! You are beautifully real and I love you for it!
Simply beautiful – the photos and words. I have discovered that I cannot build a wall sturdy or high enough to protect my boys that free will does not find a way to climb over or dig through. Only the Father gives that kind of protection – and they must choose to put it on. Your pictures were full of such joy they made me smile
You are on my mind a lot, and I’m praying for you. I love what you said, “I cannot build a wall sturdy or high enough to protect my boys that free will does not find a way to climb over or dig through” That is beautiful! You need to use that one in a blog!
beautiful, all of it is just full of truth and strength. Isn’t it true that if we open our eyes and our hearts we begin to learn from the children?
Yes, Sharon! I agree! And through them we also remember to remember the wonder!
Great words in your post. Found you from Juana Mikels.
Hi Angie! It nice to meet you! Thank you for your kind words. Thank you Juana Mikels for sharing!
Powerful Post! May we remember the size of His hands instead of the size of the waves. I am so grateful to have stopped here from Coffee For Your Heart for this surely was a blessing to read this afternnon!
Thank you for stopping by Joanne, it nice to meet you! Hope to meet up with you again over at Holley’s, Coffee For your Heart.
Love this metaphor! Thanks for a great reminder. I don’t remember which blog hop I’m visiting from (I closed that tab), but I’m so glad I stopped in. Blessings!
Hi Renee, I’m glad you came by! It’s nice to meet you! And thank you for joining in today. Hope to meet up again!
I have been watching my children at swim lessons these past two weeks and it’s always such a meditation on trust for me. Now all I need is to head up to the lake this weekend and do some swimming of my own. Thanks for linking, Diane, with Unforced Rhythms.
Thank you for the gift of sharing!