2014.
It’s here.
When I was a child (who am I kidding? I still do this!) I would float on my raft watching and waiting to catch that next wave. Depending on the surf that day, the next wave could be full of the thrill of a great ride that would land me right up onto the beach or it could overwhelm me, flip me over, fill my nose with salt water and nearly drown me.
As I sit here at 4:55 AM writing this, thinking about the new year approaching I wonder which kind of wave 2014 will be.
2009, 2010, and 2011 were all the latter wave. Three consecutive years of being knocked off my raft. Three years of being caught off guard, against my will, in the churning of the wave, caught off guard so fast that I couldn’t gasp enough air going under that I thought for sure I would drown. I came out of the water with scraped up knees and elbows from being pummeled into the broken shells that littered the shoreline.
In 2012, I staggered out of the surf onto the beach with cuts and scrapes; wounds inflicted by the double standards of legalism, people I trusted that turned out to be wolves in sheep skins, and experiences of my past- from my life before I met a merciful Jesus.
Throughout 2013 I rested and healed on the beach. Watching as others rode the waves. I tested the water and waded at the water’s edge. Recently, I have made my way into the surf, encouraged to get back on my raft and catch a new wave.
My hopes are high as I wait for the next wave.
What kind of wave was 2013 for you?
What kind of wave do you hope to ride in 2014?
Share your dreams in the comments below.
Happy New Year!
10 responses to “The Next Wave: 2014”
Praying this is a year of God’s beautiful redemption for you Sharon. Let’s keep in touch.
Thank you so much for this promise of prayer. Yes! I do want to keep in touch and get to know one another this year. Thank you for leaving my first comment of the new year.
When I read this today…it was as if you had read the entry I had written in my journal just this morning. I am ready to paddle out too…after 3yrs of healing. I want to stand on the board this time instead of clinging to it on my belly. Thank you for this post Sharon! You are an inspriation…encouraging yhe rest of us to paddle harder. See you in the surf!
Glad to have you surfing along side me Joanne. May we both be able to “hang 10” by the end of the year! LOL!! Let’s go after our God-sized dreams together!! Check out this new site: http://godsizeddreams.com
Getting back into the “faith” saddle is scary, and again leaves us wide open for all that the “latter wave” brought. But it also opens us back up to God plan and purpose for our lives, puts us back on his path and moves us away from all the pain. I have seen that beyond that point are some of our best days and most exciting exploits for God….and above all complete healing…I pray you ride the wave of faith and blessing God has ALWAYS had for you! Love, Peace, and Prosperous New Year! 3 John vs 2
Crystal- Thanks friend! Will be praying for you as you help that new plant to flourish for the Lord.
So glad you are back on the beach and ready to ride! I know God has some great waves that He has prepared for you to ride all the way into the beach, enjoying the thrill of the victory and the view of HIS ocean the entire time! HE loves YOU , Sharon, and is already using you to INSPIRE others. Keep at it, friend.
Oh Marlene- Thank you so very much! Thank you for wading into the water with me and your constant words of encouragement and friendship. (and for clicking over to leave a comment! That means a lot to me.)
I’m praying for at least part of 2014 to be an easier wave. I’ve been churned and taken down the beach for the last 2 years and I’m tired and worn out. I’m looking forward to laying out on the warm beach and basking in Jesus’ love. Thank you for your encouragement.
Karol, Praying for you about that too. I know a beach I can take you to! Not very far away either. 🙂 Happy New Year and thanks for leaving a comment here on my corner of the blogosphere.