Adjusting my Sails

On By K.L. HaleIn Essay, nature, faith,, Uncategorized
Photo by Andrew Neel on Pexels.com

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.

Photo by Bianca on Pexels.com

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 💚

Just a little nod to my old country roots⛵
❣
Finn and Me to you 💚🎵
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65 thoughts on “Adjusting my Sails”

      1. kriddy70

        Absolutely beautiful!! Its been amazing to watch you adjust your sails while letting the Captain lead. Doing that, keeps you afloat. You will find what truly makes you happy, but riding the waves can be the best days of all!!! I love you and your beautiful heart.❤ Kriddy

        Liked by 2 people

  2. atimetoshare.me

    I really enjoyed this. I have a fear of someday dying in the sea. I have no logical reason for this phobea. I’ve never sailed on a large cruise ship, but I still have this fear. Facing that fear isn’t something I look forward to, but recently, my group that’s writing a series of radio episodes about aging has me and my two friends casting our recently deceased friend ashes out of a boat. The boat springs a leak and I feel sure that this is the end for me. I find some of the best ways of getting through our fears is through a sense of humor. God has blessed me with one. Maybe writing these episodes is therapeutic in a way. However I die, I know I have a better place waiting for me, so I guess I can face anything.

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    1. Kathy, thank you for your authentic and thoughtful response. We all have fears. Your plan of using humor is my plan too. It’s easier to face our fears when we know what’s waiting no matter what ~thank you for this reminder always in your own writing. Now I’m curious about your radio shows. Xoxo 💚

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  3. This post reminded me of my walks. I walk about 3 miles on my lunch break, in all kinds of weather. As the cold air moves in, there are days when it is windy and bitter. My friends tease me and wonder why I go out. I tell them that the wind is only facing me down on half of my walk; the other time it is at my back. Makes it bearable.

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  4. Lovely post dear lady, we do indeed have such a variety in those winds in life. I suppose it is to teach us we can handle anything, but will appreciate the more gentle ones when they come because of those wild ones sending us to our extremes 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

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      1. Thank you for such a sweet response. 💜I tried playing it with my uke and the keyboard. But my very inexpensive recording equipment (laptop lol) made just singing it straight from my heart more perfect. It’s one of my favorites. I typically play and sing a lot. But usually Finn my only audience. 🐶😃🐾

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      1. I have no doubt that it sounds so well, the heart is the most beautiful instrument in sharing something and really doesn’t need any accompaniment. And I bet Finn is the most relaxed dog within a thousand leagues 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

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  5. I just shared your song with my husband and he was kinda surprised. I am typically reading knitting blogs, so when he heard this beautiful hymn, he stopped what he was doing to listen. Of course we both admired Finn!! xoxoxoxo

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  6. I am always adjusting my sails according to the weather I am given in my spiritual life. Willingness, and acceptance! Beautiful share, I have a new flannel on today as well☺️. It is so darn cold here. I even wore a beanie 🥶! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! 💜

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  12. This was beautifully expressed with sincerity. Prolific poetic and with a purpose! Instructions on what to do when the sort comes and learning to consult with the captain or make him God your captian. Your singing is beautiful as well and heartfelt. Stay calm and the whispering wind may speak to us.

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  15. “Repair and sail on.” Four important words for me. I imagine Jesus leaning down into my own topsy-turvy wave-rocking boat, whispering them to me with loving conviction. Hugs to you Ms. Flannel… It was beautiful listening to your sweet voice sing to me as I came ashore. 💕

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  19. Karla, between what you wrote about adjusting our sails (TRUE!) and how to weather the storms, and your singing along with Fenn, this post is in my opinion, touched my God Himself. I see Him all over your face! What a gorgeous voice you have and I absolutely thank you for sharing your Gift with us. God bless you in these tumultuous times and keep on sailing with the Captain. He will not ever lead you wrong. Much love to you!! xo

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    1. Your comments are so thoughtful and heartwarming. That’s what I hope others do see in me. It’s not about religion or an upbringing; not about doctrine or law; it’s not about perfection~it’s about progression. We’ve all fallen short. And to know God is real love. When you’ve been at the very bottom and you’re saved to be brought to a better level, it’s nothing but the hands of God. I’ve bet my life on it. And through him, I found what true love is all about. I leaned to love myself because of him. I haven’t been fortunate to have a steady course~but no longer. Because when I let go and gave it to him~even when I was afraid and didn’t want to “fail”~he recognized my faith and my focus on him and the world opened up in a way I never knew could exist. I’m not in a box. I hang with all kinds of people, I love all kinds, I’m free. And I just want that for everyone. Although we’re all on this journey together, it’s an individual choice on what leads your heart and soul. I know the alternatives. I’ve experienced the heartaches and suffering. It doesn’t make me any better or worse as a human~it makes me blessed as an individual to truly know this time on Earth should be enjoyed through his will and it’s merely a short time on my way to a greater place. Where I can be as weird, as happy, as authentic as God designed. We have nothing to fear or to worry about. When I think I don’t see the hand of God I remember this~it’s under me. He will forever hold me in his hand~and it’s under you too my friend. Keep the faith and enjoy life. Love and hugs xo Karla

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      1. I read this earlier but didn’t have time to respond. What a gorgeous comment, Karla. Your journey reflects mine in so many ways, for God crushed me to a pulp in order for Him to rebuild me. Everything I identified as me …. gone. The suffering that came my way was immense, yet in that pain the “not of God” came to a head, squeezed out of me in order to me to see it, and get rid of it, then learn what to replace it with. In hearing His Voice telling me to not listen to man but only to Him, I learned how to live according to Him. I’m talking since 1984! At first I didn’t do too well so then God again shook me hard and brought me down again, this time horribly so in ways I look back I don’t know how I survived. I’m not religious either, not by a long shot. I’ve created my own belief system, one that I am comfortable with. I avoid religion …. I listen only to that Still Small Voice. I’ve learned how to love myself just like you when my parents did just the opposite and the world did even worse then that. The compassion that has been instilled in me, my sensitive nature and my intuition all very keen today all because of the suffering I endured and in some ways still do to this day. I sing as well but not nearly like you ….. my voice has become rusty sadly yet that can be remedied. My experience in 1984 was a NDE so I know what is to come and that knowing has made this life here so very very precious in so many ways. I feel strongly I have at long last slipped into my reason for being here on earth and it feels so wonderful!! I’ve only just begun my true purpose despite me being in my 60’s. It is SO exciting to me to journey with God on this earth and to be allowed the privilege to witness miracles in ways most do not. Being a nature photographer has led me to a place I call paradise because Mother has given me the honor to walk in Her World deeply and in so doing, connect to God in ways I cannot put into words.
        I did not mean to go on and on. One of my cats needs me so I have to finish off. Just know it is with such joy to connect to another whose heart is fully open to God. Sending you much love and peace. xoxoxo

        Liked by 2 people

      2. When you stated, “It is SO exciting to me to journey with God on this earth and to be allowed the privilege to witness miracles in ways most do not” it was affirmation for me. I’m so thankful for all I’ve experienced in life ~because of the results of me allowing myself to be molded and sculpted based on these experiences. Thank you for sharing. I love you Amy and am so happy to know you! 💚🤗 stay safe and blessed!

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  20. Karla, thanks for sharing so much. Your words, country music, and Dolly’s quote say so much. It seems we all have been adjusting our sails a great deal in recent months. I have always enjoyed the song from Styx, and you and Finn added an blessed song. God’s peace!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and response. I’ve felt surrounded by Christ’s love and it’s the breeze of the Spirit that has kept me adjusting. I hope you both stay safe and healthy during these times. 💚🙏🏻

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  21. If we need to course correct, or if we don’t know the way to go, God has the guidance for us. I flounder beneath the waves sometimes, struggle to remember He’s always there, but I am grateful that He is.

    Thank you for the reminder, my friend.

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    1. Thank you for lovely response. I experience the same things my friend. And isn’t it wonderful that God throws us a lifeline each time if we choose to accept it? That’s what keeps me afloat! God bless you, Hamish!

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  22. I’m browsing through your posts this morning, I love the way you write, and I see this one on sailing, I wrote a simular post recently using the same metaphor, and some of the same quotes. Crazy. Thanks for your gift of writing and inspiring me to see that which is just below the surface, C

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    1. My friend C, thank you so much. I must take some time and go to your site and read. Isn’t it amazing how we can relate together through writing and sharing? You have a gift too. And thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Xoxo

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