Water slides can be a ton of fun. Who doesn’t want the thrill of barrelling down a slippery tube at high speeds? During a cruise on our annual family vacation for spring break this year, water slides took center stage. All you need to do is meet the minimum height and willingness requirements (the first is easier to meet than the latter). Once you climb the multiple story staircase, you receive a brief orientation at the top. “Arms crossed, feet together, shoulders back, hold your nose at the bottom, and give the life guard two thumbs up at the bottom so they know you’re okay,” said the attendant. The particular slide we went on was a double in which riders could race their way down to the bottom. It was quite entertaining to watch the dueling racers at the bottom. Disorientated dads with wedgied swimsuits continuously gave the two thumbs up one after another. Honestly, I wasn’t quite sure that they were actually okay. I think they were too embarrassed to admit that this slide might’ve rocked their world and their swim shorts. Between the wedgy and mild concussion, they probably could use the help getting out of the pool at the bottom of the slide.

As I watched these washed out adults stagger out the tube, I wondered how often we do the same thing in our lives. People ask us how we’re doing and our response is the two thumbs up even though we are actually staggering out of the door with shorts wedgied (metaphorically of course). In one sense, this isn’t such a bad thing. I’m not sure if someone in line for coffee wants me to say, “I’m not sure I’m on the right career path” or “this rash is really bothering me when I sit down” after asking how I’m doing. They’d probably run for their life or fake a phone call to avoid that. But just like the lifeguard at the bottom of the slide, God really wants to know how we’re doing. Why? Well for starters, God (like a lifeguard) can actually save you in times of trouble. It would be ridiculous to be drowning and give the two thumbs up. You don’t have to fake it. Isn’t that freeing? He’s a God that is all knowing and yet still wants to speak with you. How do I know this? From the very beginning in Genesis, God is walking and talking with people. God actually cares about everything in our lives no matter how big or small. We don’t have to be afraid to say, “God you tell me not to worry, but I’m worried about everything” or “God, can you help me be a better Dad?” He’s also happy to hear “God, I got the job!” and “Thank you for breakfast.”

Not only should we tell God everything, but we should also find a friend that we can be honest with. Find a friend who can see those two thumbs up and know that you’re a liar. Find a friend that will point you back to God’s word when your choices are going sideways. Find a friend who will celebrate your wins and put an arm around you during your losses. Also, be that friend to someone else. Not only does Scripture call Jesus a “friend of sinners” but Jesus himself says No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” in John 15:15.

Find a friend. Be a friend. Most important of all, approach the divine who calls you friend – and tell Him everything. He’s your Father.

Just fishing with my daddy,

Ryan