I've decided to start sharing some of my older writings. This one was written August 2, 2004 in Fort Worth, Texas. I hope you enjoy it!

A Faith Lesson

As I relaxed by the pool and  watched my son, Jeff, play with his son, Jadon, I saw a clear illustration of faith and trust.

Jeff encouraged two year old Jadon to jump to him in the water. Jadon hesitated: he was determined to stay on the edge of the pool. If only he would take a step forward, he would fall into his father's arms.

Finally (with many promptings) Jadon jumped and was caught by Jeff's strong arms. He decided this was a fun thing to do and from that moment on he climbed the ladder many times and jumped to Jeff. He had a huge smile on his face as he totally trusted his dad to catch him.

Isn't this the way we often behave? God, our Father, asks us to take a leap of faith. He is waiting, ready to catch us to keep us from drowning in a new venture.

At first we hesitate - we stand on the edge. We stand there looking and anticipating what will happen. Finally, we get the courage (from His many promptings) to take a step toward the thing that frightens us, and we jump. How wonderful it feels to be caught in the arms of God!

I smile as I think of Jadon's grin each time he jumped. He was excited; he was thrilled; and he was happy he had taken a step forward.

We miss out on God's great plans for us when we fail to trust Him with our next move. He wants us to be excited; he wants us to be thrilled; he wants us to be happy when we take a step of faith.

Next time you hesitate to move forward, remember that the Lord God Almighty is waiting for you with out-stretched arms. Enjoy the leap!