Parable of the Surfers

One day as I sat on a cliff side overlooking a beach I saw a large group of surfers attempting to catch the biggest wave.

I decided to sit and watch their expertise. As I sat for several minutes I noticed a pattern. All of the surfers but one sat back behind the waves out to sea a bit, waiting for a large swell to come and give them an amazing ride. There was one however, that sat on his board in front of the waves and caught the small ones again and again. He rode every wave that came along. With a grin on his face and an occasional whoop he accepted every opportunity to gain experience and experience some happiness.

It felt to me that there was a lesson to be learned from this.

Perhaps, the surfers illustrate how conversion may or may not happen. Many people spend their lives sitting on their figurative boards waiting for large and awe inspiring experiences to present themselves before they choose to believe, to gain experience and find happiness.

While others choose to ride every ride, accept every challenge, and find faith in the small and simple experiences in life; and they do it again and again.  They choose to serve their fellowmen, study the word of God for strength and direction, and live after the manner of happiness. 

They find joy in their journey.

Choosing to base their testimonies on everyday experiences, rather than waiting to be acted upon by some glorious and all too often expected miraculous event. They enjoy the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and climb on to the joyous ride of life again and again.

What kind of surfer are we?

Photo by Lacie Slezak on Unsplash