[Peter] jumped into the water.
—John 21:8
The first time Peter got out of the boat, he sank. Jesus came to his wind-whipped disciples, walking on the water. Peter asked permission to come to him on the water. “Come,” Jesus said, and Peter stepped out of the boat. But the wind and waves terrified him, and he began to sink (Mt 14:25–31).
The second time Peter got out of the boat, he didn’t sink; he soared. Peter and his pals were fishing. When Jesus called out to them from the shore, John said, “It is the Lord!” Peter jumped into the water and resisted the wind and waves to get to Jesus.
“Feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. “Take care of my sheep.” (Jn 21:5–17).
Jesus is the Lord of second chances. And third. And fourth. And . . .
Don’t sink. Soar!