February 6, 2023
“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.” ~ Romans 8:26 The Message
As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. ~ Hebrews 12:1 GNT
On the same day that I learned that the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Competition had occurred, a friend asked me to think of a meditation about “the gentle calm waves” in Hawai’i to help deal with unexpected waves of grief.
I wish I could have written a gentle wave meditation. I do have one about that for another time. But even in a tropical paradise like Hawai’i, the ocean isn’t always safe. One of the rules for all beach goers is, “Never turn your back on the waves.” Waves can be dangerous. Big waves can be deadly. In reading more about the Eddie Aikau Contest, I learned a few things that speak to spiritual safety when the waves crash over us.
First, God is a close as your next breath. Big surf contestants were inflatable vests with ripcords. They inflate when the cord is pulled and bring the surfer back above the foam. They remain inflated until back on shore, when they are deflated to be reused. Sounds a lot like the Spirit. The Greek root word for Spirit is pneuma. It is breath, wind, presence.
Second, a community of helpers is standing by. Life guards on jet skis are at the ready to snatch up those who need help and get them to safety. They are in-spired (another breath word) to fulfill this calling. There is also a whole crowd of spectators on shore, and in Heaven, cheering you on.
Third. The big surf is an infrequent visitor, and limited in its extent. While the big surf was further to the west, in Kailua little kids playing in the relatively calm waves.
Facing the waves, rather than turning your back to whatever emotion washes over you is the safest route. Make sure you have your flotation device at hand, remember that God’s Spirit is right alongside, helping us along. Lean into the cloud of witnesses, the community both living and in Heaven that is all around. Remember that the big surf is short-lived. This, too, shall pass. ~ Anne
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