Lifeline

Some of my favorite childhood memories of summer involve water. Whether it was the annual set up of our family’s backyard pool, visits to suburban public pools, beach days at Lake Michigan or the joy of having a grandmother who lived across the street from Lake Monona in Madison, I loved spending the day in and around water.

In theory I embodied my Aquarius zodiac sign, but, alas, never really learned how to swim. I could dog paddle and float with the best of them, but that limited me in the distance I could travel and the depth of the water in my comfort zone.

One memorable visit to a large & very crowded public pool happened during my 8th summer. My mom was keeping watch over my two younger brothers in the shallow area of the pool. Meanwhile, I had claimed an unpopulated spot under the diving boards. There were ladders and supports I could hang on to and I was, for a while, blissfully unaware of how quickly the pool floor dropped off to diving depth. I remember taking a step and the unthinkable happened. I could no longer touch bottom. I panicked, trying and failing to keep my head above water. Thankfully, a lifeguard had been keeping an eye on me and quickly pulled me to safety.

These days the word Lifeline takes on a different connotation. While I am not looking forward to a day when I may need a medical alert lifeline to keep me connected & safe in my home, I am grateful that our God has provided us with all kinds of lifelines.

I give thanks for my faith and my God and His grace as a lifeline. For family and friends whose words and support can help pull me through tough times. For kind words, for intercessory prayers, for the beauty of nature, for laughter and joy. And for trust in God’s infinite wisdom that He will BE and always provide just the lifeline we need.

Don’t be afraid to grab hold!