Three dives on the Great Barrier Reef gave me three different perspectives.
My first was a delightful snorkel amongst the dazzling colour of numerous species of fish and coral. An endless delight that I was reluctant to leave.
The second was my first scuba dive which proved problematic with an ear that hurt and early difficulties with air! The dive into the depths of the sea lacked the vibrant colour, but there were new discoveries of bottom dwellers – including a shark circling well below us.
I opted for snorkelling at the surface again for the third dive. It was similar to the first dive, but enriched by the knowledge of what lay below me in the deep waters.
Life can be like my dives. Living on the surface amidst the vibrancy and pleasures of life is very appealing and hard to leave voluntarily. But usually we are forced to face harder realities at some stage. Being well-equipped to face them is an advantage, but even if not, an attitude of future hope can help us through them, especially if accompanied by helpful others. (I was very glad of having my instructor close by!) The experience of the depths then enriches our return to better times – if we allow it.
My motto is ‘life in all its fullness’.* It does not deny the difficulties in life, but acknowledges them as part of its fullness.
* from John 10:10 in the Bible
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