Growing up in sunny Southern California, I often enjoyed the waters of the nearby beach. As a young child, I would build sand castles, jump waves, and play “chase” with the oncoming wave.
At the age of 13, our school grade class had a special all-day trip to the beach. Several of my friends and I decided to swim out to the buoy. The buoy, which was 150 meters from shore, was a marker for boats not to enter the swimmer’s area. Never having swam to the buoy before, it was going to be a fun and unforgettable day at the beach!
My friends and I felt overjoyed when we reached the buoy. The waters were calm at the buoy because it passed the area of where the waves crash onto shore. After several hours, the teacher blew her whistle to signal it was time to return to shore.
As I started to swim back, the incoming waves grew many feet above my head and toppled over me pushing me down. This happened several times. I was unaware the tides had changed.
The beach lifeguard, who quickly swam to me with his rescue can, asked me, “Do you need help?” Filled with an independent spirit, I responded, “No, thanks, I’m okay!”
He quickly swam to another classmate who was also struggling. Within the next minute, I tumbled again. Pulled by the wave, I was disoriented. I did not know which direction was toward the surface of the water.
Gasping for air each time I reached the surface, the waves’ force instantly pulled me down again and again until I finally reached the shore. I sat on the sand coughing because I had swallowed salty waters. I never expected this miserable feeling. I regretted not accepting the lifeguard’s help, especially when I saw my classmate who had been brought back to safety by him.
That day was certainly unforgettable. I now have a cautious respect for the mighty ocean waves. More importantly, it reminds me that God never intended that we suffer alone. He brings people alongside us to offer us help. With humility and maturity, I am now more ready and willing to accept their offer.
I also comprehend that other people around me may be struggling and I can be a guide in their journey back to shore: Jesus, our Firm Foundation.
At the age of 13, our school grade class had a special all-day trip to the beach. Several of my friends and I decided to swim out to the buoy. The buoy, which was 150 meters from shore, was a marker for boats not to enter the swimmer’s area. Never having swam to the buoy before, it was going to be a fun and unforgettable day at the beach!
My friends and I felt overjoyed when we reached the buoy. The waters were calm at the buoy because it passed the area of where the waves crash onto shore. After several hours, the teacher blew her whistle to signal it was time to return to shore.
As I started to swim back, the incoming waves grew many feet above my head and toppled over me pushing me down. This happened several times. I was unaware the tides had changed.
The beach lifeguard, who quickly swam to me with his rescue can, asked me, “Do you need help?” Filled with an independent spirit, I responded, “No, thanks, I’m okay!”
He quickly swam to another classmate who was also struggling. Within the next minute, I tumbled again. Pulled by the wave, I was disoriented. I did not know which direction was toward the surface of the water.
Gasping for air each time I reached the surface, the waves’ force instantly pulled me down again and again until I finally reached the shore. I sat on the sand coughing because I had swallowed salty waters. I never expected this miserable feeling. I regretted not accepting the lifeguard’s help, especially when I saw my classmate who had been brought back to safety by him.
That day was certainly unforgettable. I now have a cautious respect for the mighty ocean waves. More importantly, it reminds me that God never intended that we suffer alone. He brings people alongside us to offer us help. With humility and maturity, I am now more ready and willing to accept their offer.
I also comprehend that other people around me may be struggling and I can be a guide in their journey back to shore: Jesus, our Firm Foundation.
Ericka Lopez - Harris
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