Dropping In: Experience The Life You Were Meant To LiveSample

The Holy Spirit - Let the Wave Control You

My family and I love summers in Southern California. 

The point-breaks of Santa Barbara, the beach-breaks of Newport, Huntington Beach and San Clemente, and the laid back vibe of Oceanside provide endless opportunities to catch fun waves. There is a particular place in Oceanside we love to surf as a family, and we do so as often as possible. 

Last summer, our plane landed in San Diego late on a weekday morning. Two hours later, after securing our rental car and driving forty-five minutes north, my boys and I had our wetsuits on and were paddling out into solid four to six foot surf at our favorite surf spot. This day, as is true of many June days, had a solid south swell running. 

South swells roll in from Antarctica in the Spring and Summer, and send fantastic waves to Southern California. 

These swells also produce chaotic currents making it difficult to be in a position to catch waves. After thirty minutes in the water, I grew frustrated, as I was unable to catch a wave. I paddled up and down the beach trying hard to drop in a good swell. When I finally rode a wave, I fell doing a turn I normally complete with ease. 

I was forcing my surfing - trying to control everything around me. Instead of allowing the wave to guide and control my direction, I was trying to guide and control the wave. I eventually realized this and allowed the power of the wave to control my movements. I began to enjoy the waves, and exited the water feeling refreshed and stoked. 

The Christian life is very similar to that surf session. When I go surfing and try to control the waves, I become frustrated and defeated. However, when I give control to the waves' power, I am able to surf the wave to the fullest of my potential. 

In life, when I attempt to control my circumstances and force things to go my way, I end up frustrated, feeling defeated, and unfulfilled. However, when I allow God to control my thoughts and actions, I am content and fulfilled in where and who He has called me to be. 

Ask and allow God to control you, to empower you, to fill you with His Holy Spirit today.