This week is brought to you by the letter W, and the word WATERSLIDE. Summer and waterparks go together. Naturally.

Yet, I was never the one excited to go to a waterpark. Not sure if it was because a swimsuit was required or because I don’t thrive on thrill rides of any sort. Especially if there’s a chance I will be upside down with a bathing suit out of whack.🥴

No, thanks.

However, when the family did not consult me before planning a day at Six Flags White Water, I chose to participate as much as possible. It was a steamy 96°, so maybe getting a little wet will be refreshing (or so I told myself). That is, until we approached Cliff-Hanger.  

I didn’t want to appear afraid, so I fearfully put one foot in front of the other. Making the trek up a million steps and a steep incline seemed like slow motion. 

Finally. At the top. 

You could see the entire park from this perspective, which wasn’t comforting. Sheer terror was setting in, and I didn’t think I could do it. 

As my toes curled onto the edge of the platform, I suddenly realized there was a mass of people in the line behind me. All ages, different demographics, and each eager to take the leap of faith into the dark blue tunnel that lay before us.

Faith. That’s what I needed to just do it.

[Now faith is confidence in what we hope for
and assurance about what we do not see.]
Hebrews 11v1

Now, you may be thinking... “Aren’t you being a little dramatic? It’s just a waterslide.” 

Why, yes, I am. But stick with me. Most of our faith steps are the same — we overthink and overreact. We take the long road to get there, procrastinate a little, and ruminate a lot. The uncertainty of the ride and the resolution grip us with fear, so we hesitate. 

Despite that, others are watching and waiting. The entirety of Hebrews 11 reminds us of those who faithfully went before us — Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and Rahab. I imagine them standing at the pinnacle of the WATERSLIDE with all its unseen risks, yet knowing the reward is in the step.  

“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it.
You have to go down the chute.” —Tina Fey 🛝