It was a good-times, family-gathering kind of night. My daughter started sharing an experience that had the room enthralled. It wasn’t just about running low on gas on the highway – it was about embracing a faithful God in a new and deeper way. Then she said it. “I’ve been listening to Oceans…” What? Oceans? That same ethereal song I would get lost in a decade ago? Oceans with the soul-piercing lyrics?

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders…Let me walk upon the waters… wherever You would call me.”

My young, newly-married, diving-into-her-own-business daughter is coming into her own. Her faith is her faith, not her parents’ faith. My own journey into the deep waters of Grace has led me to this place too.

“Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander. And my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior.”

Listening again to Oceans my spirit is quickened to this yearning… to jump into the deep end, to splash with total abandon – and trust. I know my daughter is coming into this new awareness –

“I will call upon Your name. Keep my eyes above the waves. When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace.“

Rest – not in the hands/arms of God – but in the embrace of God – His come-mer-I-got-you, nothing-else-matters-but-you-and-Me-in-this-moment, Daddy-Hug embrace.

So, in my daughter’s retelling of her eyes-above-water, rest-in-God experience – I am so proud. A friend (who is like family) is there and reflects on this thought of parental pride – wanting to experience it when his 5-year-old daughter grows into her faith. Then he shares a profound thought – God must feel such parental pride as we discuss the ways He permeates our everyday experiences. This is how we’ve chosen to do life together.

Two mornings later, still reflecting on all this, I start the car and what is playing? Oceans. Wow…

“I am Yours and You are mine.”

Shirl | GG Team