Path of Least Resistance

I've always had a liking for water. I remember being about five years old and Mom patiently taking me to the YMCA pool for swim lessons. At first it was a bit daunting... what with the seven year olds jumping in and acting like BKIP ("Big Kids In Pool"). I will admit being just a little intimidated. Finally the instructor (I remember she had a confident cuteness about her, a reassuring smile and white nose-coat under Ray Bans -- very cool, even to a five year old) told me to "jump in." Shoot... these were the 60's and PTSD was but a clinical notion. So... being ever so trusting and jello in the awaiting arms of "cuteness" personified... I jumped! "Nirvana," I thought, splashing into the brisk heavily chlorinated abyss (Okay, at five I didn't exactly have the concept of Nirvana under me, but I knew goodness nonetheless). I was in! Now what?

That is the last I remember, really.

No, I don't think I passed out or anything nearly that dramatic. I believe I simply don't need to remember anything beyond that moment. There was likely no great trauma beyond that day because water and I have been friends ever since. Recollection suggests early on I wasn't the strongest swimmer. Strength in swimming came over time. Admittedly, I was a PSC ("Pool Side Clinger") for a couple more years, until I finally broke free and headed out into the open waters of the deep end. Years later, surfing, water skiing, snorkeling, skin diving, a few cliff dives here and there and epic whitewater rafting trips all became memorable aquatic experiences because someone I ultimately trusted told me to "jump." Thank you, Ms. Nose-Coat, wherever you are!

Water fascinates me. Earth's greatest solvent, a natural lubricant, a cleanser and nutritionally good for you... good old H2O is quite a package all rolled into one! Another interesting thing about water is, all things being equal, it tends toward the path of least resistance. If you're not sure about this, knock over a glass on your breakfast table this morning and then try to catch up with it up from the "high side" of the table. No brainer... the water wins every time. Go to your nearest nature preserve and look for erosion patterns... you will observe the water always finds the quickest and easiest way down hill.

In many ways, I'm not only a lover of water, but I'm alot like water. In addition to being biologically composed of it to the measure of something like 60% , I tend to act alot like it as well. Yes, to admit it is a little difficult, but I tend toward the path of least resistance.

I've read of some water adventures much better than mine. When Jesus invites Peter to take a little stroll with Him walking on the water, Peter is good to go until he allows fear to overcome his faith. Jesus' reply is simple and straight to the point, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

I'd suggest Peter doubted because he started taking the path of least resistance. He started acting like water instead of walking on it! Before pointing fingers of blame, I'd best be reaching for a hand back into the boat myself.

Pursuit of God is no easy thing. We "jump in" at the urgent call of someone we trust, exercising whatever measure of faith is given us in the moment, but none too certain how the water is going to be. Finding the water fine, we locate our comfort level and tread for a while. But deep pursuit of God looms out there... as if calling to us... deep to deep...enticing us to let go of the edge and dive on down there, deeper still deeper.

Truth is, that's not easy. True pursuit of an ever deepening relationship with God is found on a path of increasing resistance, not the least resistance. The deeper I desire to go, the more I have to resist behaving like water and take the easy way down. I have to learn deep faith runs "up hill" and defies the laws of my natural self.

How far would Peter have gone, if he had the faith to keep walking? How far might we go, if we have the faith to really pursue God? Like you, I'm trying to find a new path... If Jesus invites a follower to walk on the water, I'm guessing... if I have faith and avoid doubt... this spiritual body of water just might find himself flowing up hill and that might be the most exciting aquatic adventure of all!