Just Get Wet
by Linda Reiser

Do you remember the high dive? It seems the big kids were having fun jumping into the swimming pool from the high dive. It was my first time on the high dive, and as I walked out on that diving board, ready to make the jump of a lifetime, suddenly I was shivering and looking down, down, down into a pool below. I froze. This board was much higher than it looked. I wanted to back up, but the people behind me were calling for me to jump. I closed my eyes and jumped! I hit the water with a splash, came up for air with joy and exhilaration, and couldn't swim to the side fast enough to get back on that board again.

Every new endeavor is like that. There is the kind of courage needed to climb up the high board, and then there is the kind of courage needed to jump off. When you are willing to stretch a little and get into the deeper water, to test your limits, to go beyond your comfort zone, you begin to find out you are capable of much more than you think you are.

We read about water often in the Scripture. In Joshua 3:14-17, we are reminded that the priests were instructed to step into the water of the Jordan River so all of Israel could cross over on dry ground. Acting in faith, the priests moved forward. As soon as the priests set foot in the Jordan, the water parted. Now apply this to yourself. Think about stepping into the water. Ankle deep, we are still pretty much in control. We can easily back out. As we allow ourselves to get in deeper, knee deep or even when we are jumping in where it will be over our heads, we are thankful that we can always rely on God being in control. Like Israel we are called to trust God's promises in His Word.

It is summer, after all, so enjoy getting wet in God's Word daily. Trust in God and allow yourself to step into deeper water. Invite someone new to your LWML event or attend a zone or district gathering. Let your congregation know how mission grants are supported by our mite offerings and give them an opportunity to "plunge in" with their support. Talk to your youth group and start a Teen LWML group in your congregation. Encourage young women or newly retired women to jump in and "get wet" in your mission focused group.

Take a dive into the deeper water today-get wet!