I remember being a kid and going to see my uncle's sail boat. It was beautiful. I was amazed at the size and the different parts of the boat. We sat on the deck of the hull (I think that is what it is called) and rocked with the waves. It was the most peaceful feeling and sound. I was happy to just sit and relax. But there was that tiny part of me that wanted to go on a ride. I wanted to see the sails open and the boat take off. I wanted to be part of the experience and be able to say I was there. But that day, the winds were calm and instead of sailing, we rocked gently with the waves.
I have a friend who tells me constantly that I need to come visit and go sailing with her. Frankly, that scares me a bit. The idea of something as powerful as the wind taking hold of a white bedsheet spread across some sticks and being flung around trying to keep the boat from, I think the term is....keeling over, just does not feel safe to me. I'm more of a sit by the sea on my chair and watch the waves splash against the shore while enjoying a nice cup of coffee, kind of girl.
I'm teasing a bit with my idea of a sail boat....I know they are much more safe than I am giving credit to. I actually believe that my friend would take me on the ride of my life and I would probably love every second of it. I also know that it is not a bedsheet or sticks that make up the sail. (Sorry Jaimi....I was just being creative in my writing!) But the power of the wind and the handling of the boat do make me nervous. You really can't blame me when my friend describes the experience at times like this, "...but when the waters are so rough, the wind so strong, and the current raging...it can mean death also." Hum, I'm not a tempt death kind of person. Nope not me!
I know if Jaimi reads this she will have a few words about my fear for me. I have listened to her for over a year tell me how freeing sailing can be. She is in love with the sea and with sailing. I hear strength in her voice and can tell her spirit is renewed each time she goes sailing. She finds herself in the presence of God's creation and feels the power of the winds He created and in some way becomes part of that creation as she glides across the water in a kind of dance with the wind. That inspires me. It intrigues me and makes me want to be that brave. I often wonder if I had tried it when I was younger....that day on my uncle's boat....if maybe I would have overcome some of my fear. Then at other times, I think this is just the way I was created.
I think God makes us that way. Some are like sails...full of adventure and life. They have dreams that push them ahead and keep them moving forward. Always ready for whatever God asks of them. Never afraid to take the next step or go where He leads. Then there are those of us who are more like anchors. We long for the peaceful waves that rock us steady and keep us calm. We are happy with making the best of where we are and enjoying the beauty of the moment.
One thing I have learned, God made us for each other too. We are all part of His plan and are each made for a purpose. Just as with the sail boat, each part has a purpose. A sail catches the wind and moves the boat forward. A sail is just a white sheet if it does not have a mast or boom to support it. The hull must support the mast. The keel must stabilize the hull and the rudder's purpose is to steer the hull. Each part must work together in perfect sync to move across the water. If one part is not working as it should, the whole ship suffers. And when that ship needs to be steady, if there is no anchor, it can slip away in a storm.
Within our family of faith, there are sails.....those who dream big dreams and catch the desire to move in which ever direction God leads. There are those who must support the sails and give them the strength and encouragement to follow those dreams. There are also those who's purpose is to add guidance and direction and keep the wind from blowing us off course during storms. And then, when things are hard and troubled waters threaten our security, there are anchors that remind us of where our faith lies. They keep us steady in the storms that come but they also know when to let the sails open and for us to take flight. With God as our captain, I don't see how this ship could fail.
As my friend, Jaimi, said, "We face challenges and temptations daily. We sometimes forget to help others when we are at our darkest moments. We get sidetracked and fail miserably. God has to be our focus at all times....Just like the captain of the boat is there to guide and direct and help at the stormiest of times...so is God...but we have to listen and do. There is the reminder that if you aren't listening to the captain...and doing what you know you should be doing...you will fall...into the water...sometimes and usually the captain can be there to get you out...but when the waters are so rough, the wind so strong, and the current raging...it can mean death also."
I pray we listen to our Captain and work together to find our way through the storm. Everyone is needed and important to the success of this journey. Each of us have our purpose and are needed in the family of faith to do our part to keep afloat. Do not be blinded in to believing this storm will not try to beat us, but believe that our Captain is in control and that calmer waters are ahead. There will be time to sit and relax while enjoying the surroundings, but for now, we must pull together until we make it back to shore.
VOICE OF TRUTH BY CASTING CROWNS
I WILL PRAISE YOU IN THIS STORM BY CASTING CROWNS
4 comments:
This is really good Denise! I think the analogy to the ship is a great good look at the body of Christ. And I think that the analogy can be expanded to include Christ’s church as a whole, and maybe not just local congregations.
People that serve within the church have needs and those vary with many factors. We are taught to work hard, to serve, to put others first, never give up and to be zealous. Those are all true to scripture but if the “work” is not balanced in an atmosphere that is also allowing for spiritual growth and rest, those parts of the vine will eventually wear out. And what allows one to grow, change and be fed may not be the key for another at different points in our lives.
Remember when we were all growing up together in the youth group in Kaufman back in the 70’s and 80’s? Our church was the one that was openly receiving new members from communities all around us. My family and also my husband's were a part of that “migration”. Those of us that came from other towns around had to leave local congregations because in some sense the needs of the family were not being met. In addition to that and probably somewhat related, the Churches of Christ were going through “growing pains” as significant changes were occurring in what were considered more “progressive” groups Many of our families had worked for years and years within these “other” churches and were tired and discouraged and knew that change was needed for their family. So we gravitated to a different group. That was a healthy thing to do probably for those who made needed changes. It wasn’t necessarily what everyone needed though.
At that time the leaders in Kaufman welcomed us all from these surrounding community churches. Never once were we told to go back to our “old” church, that we had to exist within the same boundaries or that we shouldn’t change. No, we were welcomed with open arms, smiles, encouragement and put to work serving God. It was an awesome thing to be a part of!
We have to be careful to listen to the Captain or God as you said. And I think we have to be careful to allow others to listen to the Captain. God may not be directing one family in the same direction he sends another. That doesn’t mean someone isn’t listening or that one is getting the “right” message and someone else isn’t. We are all still serving, loving and hoping in the same Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Some may serve in Kaufman. Others may serve in Russia. Some are called to rest while others are sent to battle. When our God is truly directing the ship then His purpose will be accomplished regardless of changes along the way. Thanks so much for writing this post!
I so agree and when I speak of the family of faith.....I mean all Christians....not just one group. We all have our purpose and our calling for this time. Thank you for your comments and KNOW that I love and appreciate you and all you have done in this great family of faith. I know that there are times we are sails and times we need to be anchors. Those who feel the need to spread their wings and fly need the encouragement of those you are around them. Those who need to rest also need that same encouragement. I miss you....rest, my friend and let God be your Captain in all you do and remember we are here to support and encourage you.
Okay, first...let me thank you for my morning cry! You write so beautifully...truly a gift, and I do hope someday to read your first book. You also made me laugh w/ the sticks and sheets...you should see some of the boats up here and you would understand my laughter.
I also want to thank you for being my anchor. I needed to read this and remind myself I need to go sailing today. It's when I feel the closest to God w/out any distractions in my daily life. Times get rough, and I thank God daily for bringing you back in my life...my anchor. I know that when life gets rough, my beliefs are planted firmly, but also know I need that anchor for support when the storm gets too rough...I love you.
P.S....and yes, you would be totally safe w/ me up here on the water...that I could promise you. I love the storms, but also..the very first time I sailed...I threw up the WHOLE time out! It was years before I finally tried again and fell in love, so technically...my first time was at 21 and I puked..but I try not to remember that time...
Post a Comment