Can You Withstand the Waves?

Todd Gordon

My family recently returned from a trip to the beautiful island of O’ahu, Hawaii.

The first day we were there, we ventured to a beach, where I stood with my feet firmly planted in the sand as the water rushed onto the shore and then receded. My wife, Deb, sat nearby, relaxing and enjoying the sights and sounds.

Shortly after this photo was taken, the waves got bigger and more forceful, and as I stood on my feet with a good base, Deb started to get thrown around like a rag doll by the water. She laughed and took it in stride, but because she was sitting—rather than standing, as I was—she was at the mercy of the waves.

We could both see the waves coming at us, but because she was without a good base, only I was able to brace myself.

Isn’t life like that sometimes? Usually we can see the rough waves coming toward us, but sometimes we don’t fully respect their power. What can we do with those rougher, more powerful waves?

• We can make sure that we have a good base, a solid foundation, to withstand the waves when they come our way.
• Jon Kabat-Zinn is credited with saying, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” There are times in life when we just have to figure out how to ride the waves.
• Lastly, sometimes we might need a friend to help us get back onto our feet. When that happens, hang on, enjoy the ride, and make sure you laugh a little, too.

As we start a new school year, we are bound to be hit with a few powerful waves, such as new students, altered schedules, hot weather, and increased accountability. That time on the beach in O’ahu reminded me that if we’re prepared, both physically and mentally, we can ride the waves that come our way and see the beauty beyond.