Living Water by Lena Hoffma

Timing is so important in surfing, especially for catching the waves. One of the gnarliest spots that is all about timing is the infamous Pipeline. There are so many different types of timings playing into surfing that wave. The first one is being there at the right time. It only starts firing perfectly when the swell hits the reef from the right direction and when the winds are offshore. Those factors might only line up perfectly in a small-time window in a day of epic swell. But when they do line up, it creates one of the most beautiful barrels in the world. Another aspect of timing at Pipeline is the takeoff. Watching the pros’ takeoffs at Pipeline, teaches you so much about timing. If your timing is not right the consequences can be a deadly. Though, when you watch the surfers that have spent a lot of time studying the wave like Kelly Slater or John John, it’s fascinating and I can’t even imagine how amazing it must feel coming out of one of those barrels.

Timing is a theme we can find repeatedly in the bible. The word that is often used is the Greek word “kairos” which is translated “opportunity,” “right time” or “appointed season.”

The word often includes the idea of an opportunity or a suitable time for an action to take place. When we “seize the day,” we are taking advantage of the “Kairos” given to us.

Trusting God’s timing in our life can be challenging. Sometimes we want things fast and when we do force it and don’t spend enough time waiting, we might end up “wiping out” or getting hurt. Our society teaches us that we can have anything we want at any time. Things like next day delivery to fast food makes us want everything fast without the waiting, but a lot of the times God teaches us to wait and be patient. He knows best when it will be the “right time”.

2 Peter 3:8-9 reminds us that “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Image by: Brent Storm