The Water’s Edge

A little house on the sound of the Outer Banks…

 I dream of living

on the water’s edge

where my fears and faith are met

I dream of standing

on a ledge

where His strength is my safety net

I dream of leaving 

the water’s edge

to be in the center of His will

I dream of sailing 

beyond the edge

where His presence will calm me still.

He paints a stunning sunset behind this little house every evening…

 While we were away last week on vacation, I was mesmerized by this little home perched in the sound. It’s one thing to build a house on the edge of the water, but to build it in the water??

But can you imagine- waking up every morning, surrounded by the sounds of the water? And going to sleep with the setting sun’s brilliant hues streaming through your picturesque windows?  I bet the whole house glows in the twilight.

 Honestly, the thought of living in the water is a little scary to me.  About 10 years ago, I remember God very clearly asking me to do something.  When I tell you what it was- it’ll seem so silly… but for me it was terrifying.

During a worship service, the pastor asked us all to bow our heads and take the hand of the person next to us and pray silently.  I was at the end of my row, and I noticed an elderly gentleman in the row ahead of me.  There was no one beside him to grab his hand, and I clearly felt the Lord telling me to reach out and take his hand.

The ridiculousness that ensued in my head at that moment was just mind-boggling.  What if he thinks I’m strange?  or what if he doesn’t want to hold my hand?  what will my family think if I move to the next row to hold his hand?  why can’t I stop thinking about this when I’m supposed to be praying?!  

And like that, the prayer was over.  I didn’t pray- and I didn’t obey either.  It was such a simple request from Him… just hold his hand- let Him know that he is loved by ME…and I still remember the sinking pit in my stomach that I felt from NOT DOING that simple thing.

If only I could stop asking so many questions… if only I would stop being afraid of what might happen, of what someone else might think… I’m convinced that His blessings are so much greater than my fears could ever be.

So this little house reminded me that I don’t want to live on the edge of the water- but to live IN it- to follow Him and be in the center of His will at all times- pushing aside any fear I might have.

I want to live ALL IN!

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”  John 8:12