Are you smooth sailing? Are you ready for the squalls? Are the winds forcing you in the right direction? Are you adjusting your sails? Or do you feel ready to sink?

K.L. Hale

Prologue: After experiencing extreme drought conditions, we finally got relief. It has rained practically non-stop for the past 72 hours (and counting). The rainfall is about a Finley and 1/2 high. Around early morning, 5 a.m.”ish”, as I was listening to the rain pelt the R.V., I was thinking of all the storms ravaging our country; and not just the weather. Surely 2020 has given all of us reasons to reflect on many aspects of life. The morning progressed and the winds became strong and cold. No doubt this R.V. would make a horrible boat. As a movie buff, I began to think about Master and Commander, Cast Away (not a bad thought-deserted island?), and many historical moments on the water. But my favorite calming of the waters story (and fishing story) is from my favorite non-fiction book, THE book~my Bible.

Sailing is on my bucket list. Friends, fellow bloggers, and others I have known share stories of the adventures, dangers, and other experiences aboard their boats. Many years ago a student left the school to join her family on a year long adventure on the waters. What an experience. Later, the Mom joined our district as a secretary. Reading their logs throughout their journey was such a delight.

Although I have no experience in sailing adventures, I have had experiences in dealing with mighty waves, the fierce force of unexpected winds, and sturdy storms that have caused me to veer off course. Some caused me to feel puny, feeble, and insignificant. There were times I capsized and resurfaced with colossal common sense and dedicated discernment. My sails had to be adjusted…repeatedly.

There are typhoons and hurricanes that will continue to rage for all of us (illness, loss of relationships, jobs, money issues, unforeseen emergencies). For me, I have to adjust for haphazard halts and swift shifts. If Jesus’ simple request for his disciples to throw their net on the RIGHT side of the ship resulted in the greatest fishing trip Israel’s apostles ever enjoyed (John 21:6), then why wouldn’t a whispering wind from HIM to adjust my sail and maybe stand in a different spot of the boat do anything less than help me stay my course?

It would be naïve for me to think at this age, with new love, the search for new “boats” (I love my R.V., but my search continues for stick and brick), and other changes in life, that my sails would never adjust. Emotional, physical, and spiritual sails might get torn weathering the storms. Repair and sail on. Enjoy the fellow travelers and the loved ones in your boat (and lifeboats) that wish to tackle the open sea of life alongside you. But remember who’s course you’re on~ there’s one just for you. And I know my Captain. Do you?

Have faith 💚