Deeper
Written by Jennifer Stanley
Every year it’s the same story: we drive south in pursuit of warm sunshine, sand between our toes, and quality time with our family. We get to the beach and put our toes in the surf and we are exhilarated! We made it! It feels so good and we make promises of all the fun we’ll have on that shore in the week to come. The kids will boogie board and ride the waves on colored rafts. There will be games of catch, swimming contests, and dunking wars.
I can usually avoid this nonsense for a few days.
I prefer my TOES in the water a whole lot more than my legs, arms, and head!! I stand on the edge of water and toss a ball until it winds up in the deep area where I would definitely have to get my bathing suit wet to rescue it–so the kids go. I cheer them on and take pictures as they surf. And when begged to go deeper, I play my ‘mom card’ and am perfectly content on the shore.
“But the FUN is out here, mom!” they yell. “Mom, you’re so boring!”, they tease.
And, eventually, I realize they are right. Who cares about dry hair and cold water when my teenage kids want me to play? Do I love freezing as I make my way out? NO. Do I love the taste of salt water? Again, no. But, I love playing with my kids and they are always right. Being in the deeper water can feel uncomfortable, but it’s way more fun!
In Matthew chapter 14, Jesus’ disciples were in a boat far away from the shore. Jesus begins to walk on water toward them and they are really scared.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
There is something about stepping out of the boat, or off the shore in my case, that is both thrilling and terrifying. Thankfully, Jesus reminds us to ‘Take courage!’ and move toward Him safely.
We have just 2 more weeks of Lent and our encouragement to you is to engage now more than ever. Spend more time with the disciplines we’ve been exploring. Show up each day ready to learn from the readings.
Would you like to spend more time on meditation or fasting? Do it now.
Are you feeling called to solitude or service? Say yes.
Whatever direction God has been tugging on your heart, follow Him.
The spiritual disciplines call us to a new depth in our relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They can be uncomfortable and a little scary. But, trust Him. The thrill won’t be found on the shore for very long. Take another step. Go DEEPER.
Write this way: Which of the disciplines are you feeling led to explore more deeply? How will you incorporate that into your life over the next two weeks?
Upcoming Opportunities:
April 19; Good Friday 12pm-7pm
Stations of the Cross is a reflective, self-guided journey of Holy Week from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion.Stop by Commonway church at 201 E. Charles in downtown Muncie on April 19th any time between 12 and 7pm. Plan on 25 to 30 minutes for this experience.Children are invited to participate along with an adult.
Easter Sunday at Commonway
Worship at 9am and 10:45am
We will celebrate baptisms on Easter Sunday. Please send an email to jeremy@commonwaychurch.com if you are interested in talking to a pastor about baptism.
About the Author:
Jennifer Stanley serves as Creative Director at Commonway church. She works to bring creative projects to life utilizing teams and talent from within the church family. Jennifer also enjoys her fashion business, traveling to new places with her family, singing, and writing.
