Stand in the waves

This past weekend, we celebrated our granddaughter’s sixth birthday at the Redding Waterworks park. We had a blast on all the slides, but I think the kids liked the wave pool best of all. Every time the waves would start, they’d get so excited trying to jump over the water as it swelled toward us. They always had an adult nearby either holding their hand, or at least watching closely to help if needed. As the day went on, their bravery and confidence swelled almost as much as the waves themselves. The interesting thing about a wave pool is that the waves are all calculated. The size, the timing, and the direction are all controlled. It’s fun, but not at all like splashing in the waves of the ocean.

When our kids were young, we visited some friends who lived on Kauai at the time. It was a great trip and we had so much fun, especially playing at the beach. We were attempting to body surf as the waves rolled in, but the break was all the way up on the shore, so as the wave crashed it would pummel us right into the sand. Then, like a washing machine, the next wave would hit and tumble you again and again. Nobody was hurt and we did have lots of fun, but it was definitely not controlled. It was wild and powerful and would knock you on your ass if you weren’t paying attention. Kinda like life.

I’m reflecting on the physical and emotional toll of this past year, and even of the past few days. Currently we have multiple friends and family members battling cancer, others in ICU fighting Covid infection, and countless more struggling with other physical issues, mental illness, and/or emotional trauma. As Ben Rector sings, “Here’s the truth, life sucks sometimes”. It’s hard and messy and just flat-out sucks sometimes. Like waves that just keep coming, pounding you into the sand, the daily grind of life can feel exhausting and relentless. If you are struggling right now, please tell someone. Reach out and ask for help. There’s no shame in needing or asking for help. We all need help sometimes. That’s just part of life. Also, if you happen to be standing right now and doing well, look for those who may be struggling. Offer your hand to help hold them up. That’s why we have each other. That’s what being a neighbor means, to love and support each other in times of need.

Life may suck sometimes, but it can also be really beautiful when we choose to bring love and peace to our neighbors and to the world. The waves will still come and may sometimes knock us down, but they are much easier to handle when we hold onto each other.