July 15
Since the ship was caught and could not be turned head-on into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven. Acts 27:15
Our cruise to Bermuda had been glorious! The relaxation we experienced like something never before, and the sights of pastel colored houses next to waving palm trees and pinkish-white sand were just beautiful! In the warm water of those sandy beaches the sensation was one of healing - soothing our bodies and spirits, and we were more than ready to return home, feeling renewed and refreshed. We knew that the waters of the North Atlantic had a tendency to be rough and “choppy,” that we may experience some rolling motion on the ship at times, but our cruise out was calm and tranquil despite some rain showers initially.
The first day of our return sail home we continued to enjoy wonderfully warm, sunny weather, then the second day things changed a bit - the sky more cloudy, the sea more gray rather than the beautiful turquoise blue we’d been mesmerized by. We were walking on deck when it happened, the lightening flashed and thunder roared, out of nowhere it seemed because with the wind blowing and the noise of the ship, we couldn’t hear the rumblings in the distance! Everyone was commanded to go inside, all outside doors were secured, and then we experienced a rolling ship! It was frightening to me and clearly many around us had a need to return to their cabins. But soon it passed and the ocean calmed and our sail home continued smoothly. Although it had appeared at times to me that we were being thrust about uncontrollably, the captain of the ship knew exactly what was needed to be done to steer our ship safely home.
Life is like this sometimes. Storms can seem to appear out of nowhere even though there may have been rumblings in the distance that we didn’t notice or chose not to. Driven by forces out of our control we then feel bantered about, pushed in directions we would never have chosen and it can be scary. In our fear of the unknown, panic may strike and to stay on course we learn to cling to what is solid and familiar. Our faith in God will always be that stronghold and if we allow Him to, He will be our anchor, keeping us steady and secure. As life goes along, it may seem that we have little control over it, but with God’s presence, even with the wind in our faces, we will recognize the choices that will lead us safely toward home.
Keep us safe, oh Lord in the storms of life.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
Since the ship was caught and could not be turned head-on into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven. Acts 27:15
Our cruise to Bermuda had been glorious! The relaxation we experienced like something never before, and the sights of pastel colored houses next to waving palm trees and pinkish-white sand were just beautiful! In the warm water of those sandy beaches the sensation was one of healing - soothing our bodies and spirits, and we were more than ready to return home, feeling renewed and refreshed. We knew that the waters of the North Atlantic had a tendency to be rough and “choppy,” that we may experience some rolling motion on the ship at times, but our cruise out was calm and tranquil despite some rain showers initially.
The first day of our return sail home we continued to enjoy wonderfully warm, sunny weather, then the second day things changed a bit - the sky more cloudy, the sea more gray rather than the beautiful turquoise blue we’d been mesmerized by. We were walking on deck when it happened, the lightening flashed and thunder roared, out of nowhere it seemed because with the wind blowing and the noise of the ship, we couldn’t hear the rumblings in the distance! Everyone was commanded to go inside, all outside doors were secured, and then we experienced a rolling ship! It was frightening to me and clearly many around us had a need to return to their cabins. But soon it passed and the ocean calmed and our sail home continued smoothly. Although it had appeared at times to me that we were being thrust about uncontrollably, the captain of the ship knew exactly what was needed to be done to steer our ship safely home.
Life is like this sometimes. Storms can seem to appear out of nowhere even though there may have been rumblings in the distance that we didn’t notice or chose not to. Driven by forces out of our control we then feel bantered about, pushed in directions we would never have chosen and it can be scary. In our fear of the unknown, panic may strike and to stay on course we learn to cling to what is solid and familiar. Our faith in God will always be that stronghold and if we allow Him to, He will be our anchor, keeping us steady and secure. As life goes along, it may seem that we have little control over it, but with God’s presence, even with the wind in our faces, we will recognize the choices that will lead us safely toward home.
Keep us safe, oh Lord in the storms of life.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson