Easy...

Easy...8-17-25

This summer, I made my grandson a promise that we would go to the pool one day a week. I bought a summer's worth of tickets, and each week we went. The city pool has a lifeguard, and I can't swim. He worked all summer on swimming. He loves water. At Kidz Kamp, they had swim days. I found out he was jumping off the diving board and swimming to the side. Our church had a kids swim night to celebrate the end of summer and back to school. Without hesitation, he began to go straight for the diving board and jump. Now, I did bring his life jacket for when he got tired. It hasn't been an easy journey, but I can see his progression. I can see his desire, love for the water, and growth.

You see, life isn't easy. It never has been for me. I know it isn't for many others. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.". There have been times that I have had to work, seen setbacks, pushed forward, been knocked down, and got back up. I know sometimes my life looks easy to the outside. To those who don't know my story, to those who are not in my shoes. I have struggles with self-confidence, depression, health issues, doubt, and so many other things. But I turn to God. I have learned to give Him the glory for putting His arms around me and hoisting me to my feet.

We know as Christians there will be trials and tribulations. Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." We know it won't be easy, but we have assurance of life everlasting. No, I don't have major struggles that I know of at the present. But, we are all either in the midst, coming out, or in between and preparing for another struggle. I love Cain's new song. We all can say, "I made it" by the Grace of God even though it wasn't easy.