SECOND THOUGHT: VENTURING…

(Additional reflections on Monday’s post, VENTURING OUT–OR NOT)

When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:32-33 NRSVUE)

After Jesus rescued him from the water, Peter then stayed on the boat with the other disciples and worshiped Jesus. If I were in Peter’s situation, I would feel embarrassed by my failure. And if Jesus had asked, “Why did you doubt?” as he pulled me up, I would feel desperate to redeem myself, to have a second chance to prove my faith and trust in him. With a moment to rest and regroup–and in a now calmer sea–I would have pleaded, “Oh, let me try again!” Instead, it seems that Peter set aside any shame or need to prove himself, and simply turned to Jesus in love and gratitude.

You may also remember that when Peter later sees Jesus–newly resurrected–cooking breakfast on the shore, he eagerly jumps from the boat and swims to him (John 21). Peter didn’t see this as an opportunity to redeem himself by trying to walk on the water again. Reacting from his heart, not his ego, he swam across the sea, driven by the sheer joy of reuniting with his rabbi and friend.

I can so easily forget that with all our frailties and flaws, we are still fully loved. We are loved, not because of our perfect efforts, but because God IS perfect love. We can let go of our need to defend or justify ourselves and simply be grateful. We can imperfectly serve God with pure joy and love, unconcerned about ego or image, and at times, even through imperfect acts of foolish exuberance.

Whether we walk or swim, succeed or fail, our perfect God sees our efforts, knows our hearts–and loves us still.

Bible verses are found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
Photo by Karen, Bar Harbor, ME