There is something about water—refreshing, cleansing, hydrating. Our bodies need it because most of our body weight is composed of water, both inside and outside of our cells. A spring rain clears the air, a shower cleanses our bodies and our minds, and a drink on a hot day revives us. Even viewing a waterfall makes us revel in God’s creation. These are but a few of the reasons that we are drawn to swimming pools in the summer.

No one had to teach our children about the benefits of water. On the other hand, there are dangers when there is too much of it—floods, deep lakes and rivers, a burst pipe in our basement. We are capable of drinking too much water, resulting in water intoxication, or simply drowning as a result of being in water over our heads. It is this danger that is posed by children swimming. We watched our sons closely when they first went to a swimming pool to be sure that they would not be hurt.

We guard our children with life jackets, noodles, and pool floats to make sure that the water in the pool does not harm them. When they are old enough, we teach them how to swim. We cheer when we see their first dog-paddles while staying afloat above the water. Water, once again, has become a friend rather than a foe, a source of fun rather than something fearful. How can something that is so much fun under also be so dangerous?

Is love the same way? In small doses, it builds us up and makes us into better people. But, smothered with love, people can feel abused. There is a time we want love desperately, and there are people we desperately want to love us. However, we all have times when we also feel unloved and unwanted. We want to splash and play in it, but not be drowned by it. The love of God is just the right balance of freedom and caution. Our adopted children also struggle with receiving our love because they feel unloved. How we express love to them depends on how much they are ready to receive. And we struggle with showing them that discipline is part of our love for them. All in all, we want them to feel surrounded (by not smothered) by our love, but not afraid of it.

What steps have you taken to help your child know that they are safe with you? Have you introduced them to the Savior Jesus Christ, who loves them more than you will be able to do? Are you willing to surrender your own desires for their sakes? Please feel free to comment in the comment box below.