Today my 6yo went up to a swimming instructor after his swim lesson and asked if he could take a swimming test. It involves treading water for 30 seconds and more stuff, I'm not even sure what. But my brave little boy went for it. With tears in my eyes, fervent prayer in my mind and my lips shouting encouragement, I watched my son struggle to stay on top of the water. Never having been in the deep end of the pool, I held my breath as I saw him tire, but he did it. He was too exhausted to complete the rest of test. When he finished he was dejected that he had failed. I couldn’t have been more proud. His determination to get that “green band” that says he can swim is his goal. Today he made a huge step in getting it. I tried to encourage him, but I knew he was disappointed with himself.
The instructor was as surprised as I was that he was able to tread water that long. It was a first for him, especially because he is still learning to swim. I have no doubt that my little boy will be wearing that “green” band by the end of the summer. He is braver and more determined than I am even today. He makes my heart smile.
I asked his older brother by two years if he had ever tried to take the swimming test. He said, “no mom, I’ve just been working up the courage to ask”. I’m not even sure how my 6yo knew to ask, but I can imagine he just went up to a lifeguard and said “what do I need to do to get a green band”.
As we were leaving I was telling him how brave he was to try, and that he did his best which made me proud. With a quivering lip that he kept trying to control, he simply said, “thanks”. Poor guy, he wanted it so bad and he didn’t make it.
I can’t help but think of how God might feel with us. We try and fail, and He is cheering us on. “Don’t give up, I am with you. You can do this, because I have created you for it. Keep on trying; don’t grow weary in doing good. I see what you do and I will reward you. Nothing you do goes unnoticed by Me. I know you can do it. Just because you failed doesn’t mean I have stopped loving you.”
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Revelation 22:12
"I have loved you, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself." Jeremiah 31:3
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:28-29
