Sea Trials

God,

I've been out on the sea of life now for over 58 years.  Sitting here on this calm clear night, I reflect upon your majesty and creation.  I can see nothing for miles, but I don't feel lost.  I don't feel anxious.  I feel calm and at ease.  Although I know I am upon the water, the clarity of the stars reflected in the calm waters around make me feel as if I'm afloat in the heavens.

But it's a misleading sensation. When I view over the edge of my small boat, I see the stars and I see me.  I know that if I took one step off the side, I would be in a world of unseen dangers.  Or, I may just be wet.

Still, a life upon the sea is not for everyone.  Once you leave sight of shore, your sea trials begin.  On the sea of life your craft is tested for how fast it can go, and paradoxically, how fast it can stop.  Is it sturdy?  Can it endure?  Or will spend too much in port?  How well does it maneuver?  

My life is like this sail boat, which could be dashed to pieces by pretty much anything. In the dumbest move ever, you've let me take control of the rudder.   But it's worked out okay as I've learned. I read the signs in your words, and gained awareness of the dangers - both obvious and just below the water line. I am thankful for your knowledge and wisdom.  Wow, you are trusting!  I don't think I would trust me to make the right decisions and bring this ship in whole.  Thanks for letting me borrow it for a while.  I could say I'll get it back to you soon, but the truth is I've already given it to you.  Since you gave it to me, was it ever really mine?  (Ugh!  Existential thinking makes my head hurt!!)  

Out here on the sea of life I'm not alone, for I am the Captain of my ship.  Which means there is a crew; they may just not know it.  The Holy Spirit is along for the ride, too, and as my constant companion we chat continuously about everything.  He is quiet, and a good listener, but I let Him navigate.  Where are we going?  What is our course?  Doesn't matter.  I have a lot of confidence in my Navigator, as he knows my druthers.  We don't always agree.  There's rarely a dull moment, as He's plotted my course through storms and doldrums.  Still, with Him along, I feel both ready and at ease.  Thanks for sending Him along with me.  His presence has helped me a lot in my sea trials - speeding past close collisions, stopping before I hit something damaging.  He has kept me out of some BAD ports, that's for sure.  He's also kept the ship anchored nearby as I went ashore to explore at some of those same ports

Anyhoo, time to put this message in a bottle and throw it overboard.  I know you'll find it.   I'll be home soon! 

Jeff

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