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Dear Shiloh Family,

It was a relatively uneventful day at the Rossville pool except for the occasional, Dont hang on the rope. And Stop running. It would have been easy to sit back, enjoy the music, and improve my tan, but a good lifeguard must be alert at all times. And I had a premonition before the scene unfolded.

She was just above middle-aged and slightly overweight (Im trying to be nice). As she approached the ladder to the 3m diving board, I knew it wasnt going to turn out well. I had observed her in the shallow end and her swimming prowess was, lets just say a bit below Olympic form. However, she marched to the end of the board with utmost confidence as if someone had convinced her that a leap into the 12 foot section would magically award her the gift of swim. Before I could warn or even question her intent, off she went.

Fortunately, the ladies plumpness had rendered her somewhat buoyant, and her head bobbed to the top. Instinctively, the vertical dog paddle commenced, and she floundered (pun intended) in one spot spitting and sputtering like the radiator of a 1908 Model T. So, in true lifesaving fashion, I joined the fun.

I encouraged the lady to stay calm and everything would be fine. Never-the-less, her saucer-sized eyes enlightened me that she was preparing to give me a swimming pool hug that would put both our lives in peril. Sure enough, I ventured too close and she lunged like a tiger shark. Consequently, my reflexes were much quicker in those days, and I placed my foot squarely in the victims chest and created distance. My advanced lifesaving instructor would have been proud as I dove beneath the surface, spun her knees around, resurfaced, grabbed the chin firmly from behind and side-kicked the whopping five feet to the side of the pool. Saved!

My only comment was, If you couldnt swim, why did you jump in the deep end?

To which she replied, I really thought I could.

Go figure. The storybook ending is that she enrolled in our swimming lesson class the next week and now swims very well. 

This is a humorous, but true story. The sad truth is that spiritually, I am often the victim in a similar situation. I am continually getting in over my head. My great Savior and Heavenly Father tells me to trust Him, but I continue to thrash around in perilous waters of my own making. I lunge out at God, the church, or anyone in my path. He occasionally has to give me a jolt to get my attention. He even seems to disappear at times. Miraculously, he reappears at just the right time, because he knows what is best. And yes, I am currently enrolled in His spiritual swimming class.

Maybe, just maybe, some of you can relate. Let me remind you what the prophet, Jeremiah said;

Jeremiah 29:11-14:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. NIV

I know this was written for the nation of Israel, but Gods word is relevant to every person, in every situation. When you step out in faith, Satan isnt pleased but God is.

The Olympic Champion swimmer had to get wet for the first time. 

God bless you all, 
Pastor Derrell