Last week, I received the nicest hand-written note in the mail. It was from a dear friend, Dave, who gave up FaceBook for Lent to concentrate on more direct communications with the people who have impacted his life. It is a wonderful idea to more fully engage with people, especially during the pandemic and related social isolation that has plagued our nation and our world for the past several years.
Dave is one of those guys who lives life to the fullest. You can’t be around him and not have fun! Whether it’s a trip to Williamsburg to shoot period correct rifles or watch Grand Illumination, watching Hoosiers at some special screening in the gym made famous in the movie of the same name, or attending their daughter’s wedding at Disney World, complete with a visit with Mickey and Minnie, you’re guaranteed a great time – every time!
Throughout the years, we have become close friends. We don’t see each other that often, even though we only live about a mile apart – that’s because Dave is always on the move – traveling or commenting on some wonderful piece of history he has uncovered. He loves all things Indiana – especially Studebakers. He has two of them and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he expanded his collection. He’s a gifted musician, has a wonderful background in broadcasting and truly lives in the moment.
Dave was always kind of a big company guy. He has worked in positions of great responsibility in a variety of fields. And then one day, almost fifteen years ago, he called me and asked to meet. He was contemplating starting his own company but that can be a little daunting for a guy who is used to having teams of people around him. We met a number of times and after all the logical reasons for and against opening were discussed in detail, I finally said, “Come on in, the water’s fine…”
I’m not so sure that Dave didn’t jump on the bandwagon after that chat. And he was been going ever since. He has lived a wonderful success story that has allowed him to follow his passions while helping others on the way up in the corporate world. I have encouraged him every step of the way.
So I had to chuckle when I read the last line on his note to me earlier this week. It simply read, “You were right – the water is fine.” And every once in a while we discuss that fateful time when neither of us knew which way he would lean.
I can’t help but be reminded that our faith lives can sometimes be the same. I have run across a number of folks throughout the years who just can’t seem to decide is they should accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They look for some concrete assurance that they can cling to. But that’s why it takes faith – at some point, you have to let go and let God take over. There is no absolute physical assurance that the road ahead will be easy. But it is worth the journey – just like Dave found out…
To anyone who is questioning whether a life with Christ is worth it, I would have to offer the same advice I shared with Dave those many years ago – “Come on in – the water’s fine…” And I don’t mean to sound trite when I say that. It is the most rewarding decision that you will ever make. Ask anyone who has already made the decision will affirm what I am saying.
Our verse for tonight is from the apostle John. In his Gospel, he tells us, in John 6:37, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” My encouragement tonight is that making the decision to follow Christ is as easy as saying “yes” to the invitation. My prayer is that we will all get in the water of following Christ – the water’s fine…. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…