Songs My Mother Taught Me: Back in You Go

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:5 

I visited Nova Scotia for the first time when I was about 10 years old. Mom wanted us to go back to her home province to meet some friends and experience life beyond the city of Toronto.

That summer in Nova Scotia was free and easy. Picking green beans, potatoes, and other veggies from the garden for dinners, bike riding, treks and swimming. We swam in secret swimming spots tucked away amidst giant Nova Scotian cedars and pines.   

Though Mom didn’t spend money on cookies and fast food, she made sure we had the obligatory skating (Canadian, eh?) and swimming lessons.  I was confident in the water. 

But there was one swim that visit that was more than I bargained for. 

A small handful of kids splashed around while the parents sat on the rocks on the bank drinking in the sun. Having a ball, the boy I was swimming with that day suddenly took a step that had him in way over his head.  He thrashed and yelled and held onto me, pulling me under. Over and over, he used me for a life preserver.  I couldn’t get away.

In a flash, Mom shot into the water, tore us apart and dragged us both out of the pond.  

I sat in my mother’s arms heaving, sputtering and sobbing.  

“It’s okay. You’re okay. I’ve got you. You’re alright, honey.” 

“I almost drowned! He almost killed me!” I blubbered.

After some time, I settled down. Then Mom - loving but firmly - informed me, “Now, back in the water you go.”

“No way! I’m not going in there. I’m not!” 

“Nancy, take all the time you need, but you are getting back in that water. “

And after much resistance, back in I went.

And this is exactly how Mom raised me. 

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry you fell down. Let’s wipe off that knee. Now get up and move on.”

“Oh, child that must be so painful. You failed miserably. Back up you go.”

“You learned the wrong song for the competition and have only two days to learn the correct solo? You’ll get it. Get going.” 

Back in you go.

Thank you, God, for my relentless, wonderful mother.

I’m real because God is so real.

~ Nancy

CALLING

Notice if you tend to step back each time life hits. Think about it: just how many steps forward over the years have you relinquished? Pick something you care about, and get back in there!