Over My Head

My dress pants were sopping wet to just above the knee.

We had arrived at swimming lessons a half hour early. My eager 5 year old asked to play on the steps until time for the class to start. I agreed.

She started on step 1. Once her small frame adjusted to the water temperature, step one was no longer sufficient. Step two. Now her legs were completely submerged and other kids began to gather around and engage her in conversation and then swim away. Step three. Now up to the water up to her belly button, she giggled and looked backed as I urged her back. Then, with wild abandon, she lunged forward into the water, realizing only seconds later that she was in over her head.

Her sky blue eyes turned back towards me and as our gaze met,  I knew she was in over her head.

In a move that surprises me even now, I calmly but briskly walked into the water, fully clothed and pulled her from the water.

Before I could even pull her completely out of the water, her bright eyes gleamed and she said, “Can I go back in?”

No fear. No regard for the situation that we had just encountered. No care that her mother had just gained 16 grey hairs over the last two minutes.

Her willingness to put herself into danger reminds me so much of myself.

Before I know what’s happened, I’m in over my head.

The safe environment that was well within my control suddenly becomes a situation that I can’t handle. I think I know more than I actually do. I think I have more ability that I realistically possess. I think I can handle more than I’m able.

I’m going under.

Maybe you feel that way today.

You are standing on your tippy toes to try and keep your head above water. But, deep in your heart, you know you are in trouble.

I’ve got good news for you…

Psalm 69 (The Message)

A David Psalm

" ¹ God, God, save me! I'm in over my head,"

He knows that look in your eyes. And He doesn’t mind getting wet.