Drawn to the Water

Lectio Divina Out Loud: Erika Dix is learning how to avoid drowning during an immense life transition.  

Therefore every loyal person should pray to you in time of distress. Though flood waters threaten, they will never reach him. (Psalm 32:6) 

I am drawn to the water. I find so much peace in sitting on the shore or in a boat, just observing the beauty of God’s creation. Ironically, I do not know how to swim. Even though I had swim lessons in my youth, to this day, I still cannot put my face under water. It is difficult for me to ignore the instinct to breathe and then I get a nose full of water. My daughter is now a lifeguard at our local pool, and she is encouraging me to learn, but I am just not sure I can still be taught how to avoid drowning.  

Time of Distress 

Recently however, I have been drowning in life. I am in a major transition with my children leaving for college and places to be on their own, as well as the fact that I now have a new job outside of the home. Most days, I feel I do not have my eyes looking at the right place. I have been focused on islands of distraction and pleasing experiences, not on God and what He is calling me to do or be.   

Every Loyal Person 

I have been asking Jesus in prayer, how do I find Him again? How do I help my kids, my husband, and myself during this time of transition? The answers started swirling and flowing towards me, like waves on the sand.   

I find Jesus: 

• In the Eucharist
• In Scripture
• In Confession
• In Prayer
• In Love
• In Sacrifice   

And how do I help myself and others? I am to encourage and not to force, to pray for them, and to LOVE THEM, not just love the experience.  

Flood Waters Will Not Reach 

When I am not looking at the sun as it sparkles on the water or hearing the pleasant sound of splashing waves, I can come to Jesus and allow Him to be my anchor. He can guide me to find God again in order to do His will, not force my own will. The threatening waters of distress and anxiety will not reach me, only peaceful waves of joy in knowing that I am loved by God. Only then will I catch my breath and learn how to avoid drowning.   

Prayer:

Jesus, please keep looking for me, please pull me to You, and please do not let the flood waters reach me.  

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Copyright 2025 Erika Dix
Images: Canva