Being a tiny bit more experienced with body surfing I understand the power of the waves more than he does. I've experienced the crushing destruction the wind/water combo brings when it drives ones face into the sand. The rag-doll in a toddlers mouth soggy-tortured feeling when it doesn't go as planned.
I also understand the childlike joy in victoriously riding a primo wave. So on both counts, as I watch my son take to the water without fear of the power of the ocean yet full of the same joy in victory I can't help but experience that internal awesome cacophony of emotion fatherhood brings.
This is such a spiritual endeavor isn't it? Creating and training up. Encouraging and Admonishing. Walking alongside and then stepping back. Holding hands into the water and the then sending off to ride the waves.
I wonder - what is God equipping us for in this season of life? What wave am we soon to be sent off to ride?
Whatever the case, the Scriptures are filled with the story of a God who loves His creation. Exponentially more than I, loving my son as he ventures off on new experiences, is a God who glories in our joyful ventures in His creation with Him.
Ride the waves. Enjoy them. Understanding the power and fury and joy. And then enjoy all the more watching your children ride the same waves...it's exhilarating. I can't even imagine how much joy the Lord truly experiences in journeying with His people as we enjoy Him.
Awesome.