My home surf break (an obstruction that causes a wave to break) is a small barrier island on the east coast of the Carolinas. Here, the tidal range is about six feet, but the coastline is flat and the water relatively shallow.
We have to rely on sandbars to shape our waves, and surfers often spend time talking about what new sandbar they found after a storm or higher tide. Sometimes at low tide, we will explore to find where currents and tides have shaped the bars as we try to find the next great spot to surf. It is common to find surprises like fallen palm trees, tires, broken debris … and my fingers are crossed for finding lost pirate treasure one day.
In life, there are many factors that influence how we treat each other and how we see ourselves in relationship with God. I’m pretty sure that if the tide receded in my life, I could see the things that have shaped me. Fear, doubt, insecurities, hurt, broken promises, sin, self-centeredness and a few more surprises would litter the shoreline of my heart and mind.
Are these things obstacles to healthy relationships with God and others? Honestly, yes. However, that doesn’t have to be the case.
God knows what is under the surface of our hearts and minds, and His love for us — in spite of these things and maybe because of these things — is unwavering. If, as followers of Jesus Christ, we can learn to embrace our shared brokenness, we could embrace the opportunity to live together with the grace and mercy our Lord offers us but we so rarely offer to ourselves or those around us.
In the end, finding the hidden sandbars and enjoying a surf with good friends seems somewhat satisfying, but doesn’t come close in comparison to embracing shared hurt and brokenness, and coming together to dive into the mystery and beauty of God’s amazing love for us. Come and see the Lord is good and dive into that truth together.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…” — Hebrews 12:1-2
— J.W. Kaiser, professional surfer
The Increase, part of the Sports Spectrum Network, is a community of Christian pro athletes sharing their personal stories of the decrease of self and the increase of Christ (John 3:30). Visit TheIncrease.com for more stories and videos.
