STRETCH!  The long arm of the white-capped boy reached over the black-capped player’s shoulder to wrest the ball from his grasp. Both teams turned 180 degrees, swimming toward the black-capped goalie. Back and forth they swam, treading water whenever they were not swimming, redirecting according to which team either held onto, or took over, the ball.

I’ve never watched a water polo game before. But our grandson, Benjamin, was playing in a tournament near our home. What a fascinating game. I didn’t realize those toned young men were never standing on the bottom of the pool. Its depth went from 7′ to 12′. How do you put power behind the ball when you’re treading water and fighting off your opposing teammate, who is trying to take the ball from you?

Not only was the heavily chlorinated water irritating Ben’s eyes, the sun was also blinding him, making it difficult to see the ball and respond to his teammates. Nonetheless, Benjamin made some good plays and we were (and are) proud of him. A high school senior, he is applying to colleges, keeping up his grades, and is committed to his water polo team.

I thought of how our Father sometimes redirects us. When we turn away from Him or ignore His leading, He often convicts, challenges, or woos us back onto the path He has for us.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways submit to Him

and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

God redirected me when I was engaged to marry a wonderful man who was not the best partner for me.

He redirected me when I was developing a new sense of independence and productive singleness following the death of my first husband, by bringing a wonderful man into my life. That man has now been my loving, and beloved, husband for almost six years.

My Father even redirected me when I felt overwhelmed last week, and resentful of requests for assistance. He changed my heart so I became open to responding with grace and love.

How have you experienced God’s gracious redirection?