THE MORAL OF THE STORY

Cindy Trane Christeson

“From the tiny birds of the air and from the fragile lilies of the

field, we learn the same truths. At just the right moment, He steps in

and proves Himself as our faithful Heavenly Father.”

-- Charles R. Swindoll

It may be awhile before I put all my summer photos into albums, but

there are several pictures that I will see in living color in my memory

forever.

One morning my father called looking for our daughter Kelly. When I

told him that she was out of town he sounded sad. “I thought so,” he

said. “I just don’t like surfing alone.”

“Dad, I’ll try to change some plans and come run on the beach or watch

you surf,” I said.

I called back shortly and said I was free. When Dad arrived, he said

to bring my bathing suit. I must have looked puzzled. “I brought an extra

board so you can surf too,” he said.

“That’s really sweet of you dad, but I haven’t surfed in 30 years, and

even then I wasn’t very good,” I replied. “Frankly, the thought scares

me.”

“Whatever you want honey, but bring your suit just in case,” he said.

So I did. I knew it would be great just to be together.

The minute I saw the pounding waves at San Onofre, my heart started

pounding. But I decided to give surfing a try. I also prayed for courage

and safety.

Dad patiently explained basic surfing techniques on shore and as we

paddled out. When it was time to catch a wave, he hopped off his board,

came behind me and pushed while I paddled hard.

Fortunately the combination worked well. I got to my knees and then

pushed up to stand. Somehow I managed to ride the wave all the way in.

When I paddled back out, my dad smiled and asked, “How did you do that?”

to which I replied honestly, “I have absolutely no idea. It must have

been your push and this big board.”

With his help I was able to catch several more waves.

After awhile I paddled out past the waves to float and rest. My dad

came out and said, “You won’t catch any waves way out here.”

“I know,” I said with a smile. “I’m catching my breath, then I’ll come

back.”

He nodded and headed back for more waves.

When I ventured back in, Dad gave me more pointers. “If you’re scared

by a mass of white water coming your way, you can turtle,” he said.

I found out that that means you take a big breath, hold onto the board

and flip it over you until the water passes over you. He started telling

me something else, but stopped when he saw the panic on my face.

“We don’t have those conditions today, but it’s good to know what to

do,” he said lovingly.

Miraculously I was able to catch some waves on my own. The morning

seemed like a dream. But the reality is that God blessed me with an

unforgettable time with my father. If my earthly father wanted to be with

me and give me pointers about surfing, can you imagine how eager our

Heavenly Father is to be with us and give us pointers about life?

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at o7

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.