Submission and Headship at 100 Feet Below the Ocean

On two of our ten SCUBA dives last week, Fred’s depth gauge broke. (Bummer!) It wasn’t dangerous or anything, but it meant that our normal dive buddy pattern had to adjust even after we had descended.

(Usually, Fred checks his depth gauge and air level CONSTANTLY during our dives and I’m more of a “check it occasionally” person. It’s funny because I often think, “MAN, Fred checks his gauges a lot” and Fred says that he often thinks, “MAN, Tara should check her gauges more often.” Isn’t marriage a hoot?)

ANYWAY … normally when we dive, I like to let Fred take the “lead” so that I’m responsible for adjusting my rate in the current to stay right with him. He keeps us at a nice depth and never goes too far away from the dive master or the reef/shelf and I can just relax and enjoy the dive. (Boy, I like being the girl!)

But when his equipment broke. Twice. I had to take the lead position and keep us at the right depth, etc. It was a lot of work! If I went too fast and he didn’t stay with me, I had to swim against the current to get back to him (MAJOR air consumption!) and that was exhausting. Plus, I had to give the majority of my focus to HIM rather than just enjoying the dive.

Of course I was happy to do it … but on other dives (where I could just follow his lead and I had lots of brain-time and energy to look, think, pray, worship), I reflected on the headship and submission issues inherent in recreational SCUBA diving:

– Someone has to take the lead and someone has to follow. Like most of life, it just doesn’t work any other way.
– The position of follower/helper is NOT a bad place to be. In fact, following the right leader, it’s actually GREAT!
– In those weird times when I had to lead, we got along OK. But it wasn’t the best and it surely is not my favorite.

Last thought/observation … my propensity to flow faster in the current than Fred reminded me of how my personality and gifting has a propensity to be “out there” and move faster than Fred. But just as my dive was better when I slowed down and followed Fred; my LIFE sure is better when I slow down and follow him too. But that takes effort on both of our parts–leading doesn’t just “happen” and neither does following.

Just some random thoughts from your SCUBA-diving pal,
Tara

PS
One of my favorite (!!) aspects of diving is getting to be IN schools of zillions of fishies. I love just hanging out and getting to watch them so close up. What a privilege!

PPS
OK, now I’m REALLY going to crawl back into bed and try to catch a nap before we all have to get up and start our day. I’m going to be TIRED today, eh?