We Venture Together

Taking risks and facing fears in general have been on my mind this week.

Christmas of 2010 my family decided to skip the presents and take a Caribbean cruise together. It was one of the best decisions we've ever made as a family. I can only describe it as awe-inspiring and an all around marvelous time. We were living it up, soaking in the sunshine, enjoying the entertainment, and indulging in an incredible amount of food.

Our stop in Roatan, Honduras was my favorite. The entire bunch went on an excursion to a small private island that doubled as a nature preserve complete with picturesque gardens and endangered animals.

I am wildly afraid of the ocean and all the creatures that call it home. I never venture out into the waves past my waist because I am extremely uncomfortable and anxious. I've attempted to overcome this fear many times. I even swam out to hot springs in Santorini, Greece. Sadly, my swim was accompanied with a slight panic attack.

When we arrived at the island we were told there was some coral reef about fifty feet from the dock. I was curious but had no intention of ever leaving the comfort of my sandy beach. The rest of my family rented some snorkel gear and took turns swimming out to see the "beautiful" coral.  Each came back enamored and encouraged me to take a turn. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity after all.

It was my brother, B, who finally convinced me. He assured me that he would not let anything happen to me. I put my trust in him as I lowered my self into the water from the dock. We swam out to where our feet no longer touched and my heart was racing. My eyes were wide in the goggles as I struggled to breath through the snorkel and swim at the same time. B noticed my struggle and he took my hand. Before I knew it, we had reached the coral. My family was right; it was incredibly beautiful. The vibrant colors alone were mind-blowing. The fish were each unique and to be honest, not very scary. Still, the fear began to take control of me. I was only out there in the open ocean for about five minutes but I came back with a wonderful memory. A memory of beauty supplied by God and a memory of facing one of my biggest fears. Please, please don't make me do it again.

Proof that I did it!

How quickly our roles can change. Later in the trip,  someone else was forced to face a major fear. It was my little heart's desire to go zip-lining in Belize. One problem, my big sis is not so comfortable with heights.  I could not let her pass up an opportunity to fly through the jungle. I am the baby and therefore she was obligated to make my wish come true. I'll never forget watching her go across the first wire. I was able to cheer her on like my brother had encouraged me.

Sister, facing her fear!

One of the most thrilling moments of my life!

I have fears, pretty strange fears. Doesn't everybody? "He gives strength to the weary," and sometimes we are the tools he uses. Sometimes it's by gently taking a hand and sometimes it's giving someone a good push. It's simple, we need each other. Have you encouraged someone today?

-KP