Coming Into Your Own

by Keene Calipara

It's been a month since this statement had been popping into my mind: "Coming into your own". I could not fully comprehend why or how this is significant to me, until I remembered my experience several days ago.

For the first time, I went out snorkeling in an island that I visited with my wife and some friends. I always wanted to try it before. I had been quite fascinated with the idea of seeing what's under the water - seeing actual sea creatures that were not in aquariums or shows. What had been stopping me to do so was fear and the fact that I am not a good swimmer. Plus, another factor: my so called near-drowning experience when I had my swimming lessons. (Oh well, my desire to improve my swimming is persistent.)

June 18, 2022 was the day that I conquered my fear. I went snorkeling without a life jacket because wearing one made me more uncomfortable. As I was encouraged by my wife and friends, I was able to go the farthest and the deepest that I could have ever been. I could not determine the distance and depth, but I was certain that I went swimming farthest from the shore and deepest in my lifetime.

I remember the thoughts in my head as I was following behind. It was like a tug of war between "you can do this" and "it's time to go back now". "You've went too far, the water is colder" and "Relax, control your breathing". "Your body is tired, turn back when you still have the chance" and "You're doing fine, I am proud of you". "Oh! A white sea snake! Danger!" and "Praise God for the wonderful creations! A blue starfish and the multi-colored fish!". I was ecstatic for being able to do it.

Motivated that I was able to do it, I wanted to go for another try. It was in the second island that we visited. I wanted to go far and deep as I can, however, the waves were more challenging. I felt tired and immediately went back to the shore. I tried, though.

I was coming into my own. I realized that there are things that we have been preparing for and we have been held back by fear. Definitely, there are things that we have been prepared for and things that we aren't yet. Though I had fears too, my desire, mindset, and physical readiness made me go farthest during the first snorkeling experience. However, I wasn't ready to face the more challenging waves in my second snorkeling attempt.

Of course, I asked God for the significance of that experience and these were dropped into my heart:

"God has been preparing and calling us to do something. As you pursue His calling in your life and prepare for it, there will be obstacles that come your way. Mostly self-initiated, some you can transcend, and some you can't overcome for now or you just have to find another time or way.

Coming into your own. You are just coming into your own. You know that you are. You know because you prepared. In fact, you've been preparing. It's fear that has been holding you back. You are already a foot out from your shell. Come into your own. You know the difference between obstacles in your path and obstacles that you can't overcome for now. You are coming into your own. Just be who you are - and that is being the person who God wants you to be."