In a season when the waters of this life seem especially deep, I'm mindful of those who have come before. With All Saint's Day only minutes behind us, it's not hard to be mindful of those who have faithfully navigated the treacherous waters of the past. How good that their witness is still with us, remaining ever vibrant and bright, to guide, encourage, sustain, and show us the way. How good that their words and wisdom have helped shape our own. How good that when all seems lost this Great Cloud of Witnesses is holding us fast, praying for us, pleading on our behalf, remaining steadfast in their attention, and care. Somehow knowing that these "Deep Water Companions" of love and support are with us, makes our next steps not only possible but better. It can help us trust that we too can faithfully navigate what's ever before us as well.
I often think about how Jesus encouraged this sort of trust with his disciples.
“Push out now into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” he said. (Luke 5:4)
As I've thought about it, I wonder if the disciples had any idea of how "deep the water," a life with Jesus, would be. I wonder if any of us do. Did the disciples know this was what they signed up for? Did they? And if they didn't, how long did it take them to start second-guessing their decision and think about going back home? Luke never tells us. We learn about their lack of faith, how fearful they are, and how they have to learn the same lesson again and again. But we're never told how many times they wished for a "do-over".... a different choice that would still have them home.
But then...maybe we don't need to know... because the fact is... they never do go back home... at least not for good. Once they said, "Yes" to Jesus they ... amazingly.... stayed the course.... deep water and all. And by their witness, we're invited and compelled to do the same. On days, when the deep waters of life seem especially frightening, I try to remember the faithful men and women who have gone before me... faithful souls who have traversed raging waters I can't fathom or imagine. I think about the evil forces they had to contend with and battle, how weary they must have become in doing so, and the longing they surely had for safety, security, their families, and home. I think about how they too must have been frightened and overwhelmed and how somehow, they, like the first disciples, stayed their course. Their witness encourages and inspires my feeble and fearful one.
By all of it, I'm reminded again... the only reason I'm anywhere in my faith is due to those who have gone before me in the path of faith. I stand upon their shoulders and because I do, when the deep waters of the world swirl around me, they will not overtake me... nor you..... Their faithful witness of staying with Jesus holds us up and helps us believe that we too can stay the course... no matter how deep the waters may become. The “waters” may often seem deep and overwhelming for you, but by your faith and witness, others are watching and seeing what a life with Christ can be. If the weight of your faith seems sometimes heavy… perhaps even especially heavy now...take heart… it’s just some inspired soul wanting to stand upon your shoulders so that they might go where you lead.
There are many Saints I'm holding close, just now. I bet you're holding some too. As we do, may these Saints also help us to be mindful of the faithful witnesses right in front of us, ordinary souls who are making the next steps not only possible but better by all the ways they keep choosing to show up, not turn away, and offer what they can and may. I am so grateful that the "deep waters" of this life are not ones we share alone. I give thanks that by Christ's leading and help, we too can be a means of help and love to those who feel as if the deep waters are overtaking them. Such gifts, I believe, will help us all stay the course no matter how feeble and fearful our faith may be. May it be so. Trusting that Christ and The Saints are with us in and through it all, may it be so.
Blessings, Leslee
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