I’ve had the privilege of teaching all of my 15 grandchildren how to swim. Over the years, many fond memories have been made that I enjoy relating occasionally.

I’ll never forget Victoria’s experience. After learning to swim one summer, the following year she wanted to be the first one in the pool. Anxious to recapture the excitement of the previous year, she said, “Paw-Paw, I’m going to jump in the deep water.” “Do you still remember how to swim?” I asked. As she ran to the deep water, she answered, “Yes!”  

She confidently jumped in and didn’t immediately come up. Still in my street clothes and a little panicky, I jumped in and rescued Victoria. A little aggravated, I said, “I thought you said you remembered how to swim!” Defensively, she said, “I just didn’t remember how to stay on top of the water.”

I recalled that incident this week after a men’s Bible sharing meeting. The topic was about Matthew: Chapter 18, Verse 3, which speaks of the apostles asking Jesus who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus answered, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

I was reminded that Jesus wants all of us to become like Victoria, who, at the age of 4, trusted me to protect her from drowning.

She was innocent, pure and full of joy. That’s the way God wants us to be – trusting Him and full of joy.  

Just like Victoria forgot how to swim, sometimes we forget to resist temptations and fall into sin. The good news is that just as I rescued Victoria, God is always ready to rescue us from a destructive lifestyle if we repent.

What a consolation to know that Our Heavenly Father is the lifeguard of our soul!

 

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.