Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Carried Away

I have started a tradition. When we have an important trip or event, I buy a new scent.  Usually from Bath and Body Works.  I can't smell "Moonlight Path" without immediately remembering our trip to Panama City Beach for our 20th anniversary.  "Sun-Riped Raspberry" reminds me of church camp.  One whiff of "Lavender Vanilla" takes me back to the special days before and after Landon's birth.  My scent for our recent trip to Florida was "Carried Away", a "whimsical blend of lush raspberries, white jasmine and whipped vanilla inspired by the way love sweeps you off your feet." Smells beachy and soft.  Turns out the name was an omen for our trip...

The first full day at the beach is always so exciting.  We packed all our stuff and trekked down to the beach.   We had two chairs as part of our rental, so that was home for us for the week.  We played and built sandcastles.  We relished the way the waves hit you and then the sand shifts beneath your feet.  Although I'm not a big fan of getting in the ocean, I usually do to be with the others.  We went out several times and rode the waves back in on boogie boards.  It was wonderful!!!  After lunch, Landon and I went out a very short distance and just enjoyed the waves.  It was so fun to have him to myself and hear his thoughts on all he was experiencing.  After about 10 minutes, I noticed the current had taken us farther out, not too far but farther than I intended to go.  I tried to put my feet down and realized I couldn't touch, especially with the almost constant waves lifting me.  I admit, I PANICKED!!!  I tried and tried to remember all I'd JUST read about how to get out of a strong undertow...the only thing I could remember was DON'T PANIC...I was getting tired so I tried floating on my back, but the waves kept coming.  I looked out and saw the girls were on their way out to us, and said "Girls!  Get Dad!" Jenna took Landon and was able to get back.  Mike came out and got me and Kayla.  It probably wasn't as bad as it felt, but being CARRIED AWAY is not nearly as relaxing as it sounds.

Landon was more than a little upset about "The Incident" as we took to calling it, so he was  content to play in the waves very close to shore.  He talked to me quite a bit about it, and most times would tear up again.  We had a great time in spite of the dramatic rescue of the first day.  But I, being the "deep thinker" that I am (:)), have thought about this nearly tragic event alot.  When Jenna got to the shore with Landon, she was met with two different responses.  One lady asked her "Do I need to call for help? The undercurrent is strong and this happened earlier."  The other response was laughter.  A group laughing at our struggles.  I was mad!!  But then, later, I asked Mike "Is that us?  Is that how we react to those around us who are struggling?"  It's EASIER not to get involved, it's EASIER to say it's someone else's problem.  As Christians, (and I am speaking for myself as much or more than others) we are called to help RESCUE people. To lead them to safety.  But I find myself ridiculing people for their struggles, judging them, making up a million excuses of why it's Their Own Fault.   My experience was My Own Fault.  I didn't pay attention to my surroundings, I didn't take the advice of others, I trusted my own judgement.  That didn't change the fact that I needed to be Rescued.   As much as I HATE that this happened and put a cloud over our otherwise perfect vacation, I am sure God intends to use it in my life for the rest of my life.  I pray that I, when I see someone unaware that they've drifted too far, will say  "Can I help you?  You've wondered off course."  Or if I see someone flailing and shouting and screaming for help, I won't turn and say, "Is anybody going to get her?  Not my problem."  I pray that I have the courage to stand with someone for strength and drag them back in, if necessary.  2 Peter 3:17-18  tells us "Dear friends, be on your guard so that you may not be CARRIED AWAY by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."