Stand Behind the ROCK

I love this picture my husband painted because it reminds me of a lesson God showed me when my family traveled to Hawaii. We’ve never snorkeled before, but apparently, it’s a must in Hawaii.  Our first attempt to snorkel was at Shark’s Cove. Not a very inviting name for a cove, but all the locals said it was the best place for newbies to swim. 

Eagerly with our snorkels in hand, my family and I set out onto the shore of the Shark’s Cove. We stood on the banks observing the crowd within the cove walls contemplating where our family should begin. We choose to distance ourselves from the crowd. In our inexperienced wisdom, we decided to explore the ocean beyond the cove. The aqua blue landscape beckoned the adventurous scavenger within, and surely the cove would restrict our adventure. Placing the mask over my face, I test my breathing ability and then walked towards the drop-off point.  

Advancing towards the open sea, I noticed the white caps’ size as they crashed around the rocks. Their current forced me to slip and brace the jagged landscape embedded in the seafloor. The further I went, the power of the sea quicken and forced me underwater, drawing my attention to the pincushion sea- urchins burrowed in the crevices of the rocks.  

The ocean’s beauty dulled, and the adventurous side dissipated as fear emerged. My feet couldn’t withstand the bellow of the sea. Then helplessly, I watched the surge propel my daughter headfirst towards a bolder. I lunged forward, racing the wave in my attempt to prevent the inevitable as I yelled, “Watch out for the rock!!!” My daughter reacted in time, preventing a full collision, as her head grazed the lava rock. 

That’s when it hit me, ENOUGH!! This is ridiculous!  We have no business attempting to swim beyond the cove. The mama bear took over, and I called my girls to the cove. We ventured across the landmines of lava rock and carefully braced the rocks when slipping, trying to avoiding the sea-urchins.  As we reached the cove, a graceful fin appeared. The fin belonged to a turtle. 

The girls and I raced to see the turtle as it glided between us, headed towards the dropoff—what a beautiful creator. We made it to the cove, and I noticed the waves’ power didn’t thrash the sea, causing everything in its path to somersault. The water was calm behind the wall of rocks. The girls could float with ease, calming my nerves, and I could enjoy the beauty below. 

It was inside the cove while gliding safely in the aqua blue, God opened my eyes, “Candice, why do you venture in front of the rock?  Don’t you see, every time you go before me, the billows cause you harm. But when you stand behind the rock, I endure the brunt of the swell and remove its ability to harm you. It’s my love for you that compels me to protect you. In my protection, there is ample opportunity to see my wonders and the beauty I designed for you.”  

The root of my need to run ahead or venture outside his boundaries was from my “FOMO” fear of missing out. My perception of boundaries ironically limited me and didn’t protect me. My response was as if I knew best and relying on myself, not God.

And if I remained in front of the rock, resisting the surge as it propelled me back into the jagged crevices, my flesh would have been shredded and bruised. I would have missed out on the turtle that glided between the girls and myself. I would never have felt comfortable to relax and float peacefully in the sea missing out on the marine life below. God showed me that day I could rely on Him. He will always have my best interest. And after viewing the bottom of the seafloor with all its vibrant colors and life, God revealed He was the God of abundance debunking the lie of missing out. 

Whatever your adventure holds, may I offer advice, stay behind the rock because that is where you will find your peace. God designed beauty and wonders for us to behold, but we have to remain at His pace for us to enjoy them fully. Sweet friend, stand behind the ROCK because He loves you.