“The dreaded ‘rip tide’ does not have anything to do with tides, so professionals prefer the term ‘rip current.’ A rip current is a long, narrow band of water that can pull swimmer away from shore and out to sea in just a few seconds. Rip currents are dangerous, and it’s best to learn how to identify and stay out of them. If, however, you get caught in a rip current, the right response gives you a big advantage.” https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Rip-Tide.
We have been to the beach: Santa Rosa Beach, in the panhandle of FL. Remarkably beautiful. White sand. Emerald water. Beauty, enjoyment, and potential danger. Flags are flown to provide information: green, yellow, or red. Green means no danger of riptides. Yellow, be cautious. Red means danger. There are also tell-tale signs to look for. There are specific suggestions about how to survive if caught in one. In short: do not fight it, swim parallel to it. So much like life. There are riptides in life. There are not always “flags” to warn of the potential danger. The ill-prepared are sucked out to sea. Even the prepared can be sucked out to sea. The ones who fight the rip currents are at risk of drowning. Swimming parallel to them allows one to swim to calmer water. Of course, there is always the option of calling for help.
So much like life. Rip currents are everywhere. They are inevitable. I have known people who have been sucked in quite often; not because of their own decisions, but simply a result of living life. I have been in a few rip currents myself. Fighting them has not proven to be the best course of action. Swimming parallel to them and calling for help have been my best options.
My “go-to” has been God. Jesus said: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (NLT). Isaiah stated as inspired by God: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (NLT).
Mediocre Meanderings 