Deep and Wide

The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.
-Genesis 1:2


Do you remember the first time you walked out to the end of the diving board? If you're anything like me, you didn't jump right in. You contemplated the deepness of the water, the height of the board, your fear of falling, and the judgmental stares of the onlookers. And, if you're anything like me, you probably backed off the board without jumping in. I did this several times. I distinctly remember the excitment and terror of looking down into the cool water at my own reflection. Jumping in had to be fun; otherwise why did everyone line up and wait their turn to take a running leap off? But there was always the equally matched doubt and fear.

I was reminded of this experience recently as I was working through my feelings about the upcoming trip to Ukraine. My plane tickets arrived yesterday and I felt my breathe catch in my chest. Suddenly I was out on the end of that board again. As I thumbed through the multiple tickets that make up my journey, I was filled with giddiness with a tinge of panic. But I can't back off the board at this point. I have to make peace with the water below and will my lead feet to move towards the edge.