I went sailing with my dad on Friday evening. It was a great evening....basically no wind. I didn't mind, though. I simply enjoyed being outside surrounded by water, trees, and blue skies. I've been reading a book called "Forgotten God" and the subject of the book--the Holy Spirit--came to mind as we sailed (or tried to sail) along. Sailing is made up of a few different components. 1. The sailor(s) 2. The boat. Mainly the sails. 3. Most importantly, the wind. 4. Probably other stuff I don't know about. You see, my dad and I went to the lake ready to sail. We (or mostly he) was knowledgeable and prepared. The sails were up and ready. But, there was so little wind. We could not sail. We could (and did) motor about the lake a little bit, but that was not sailing and it wasn't beautiful or natural. Living life also takes the components of: Me, my gifts/talents/experiences/tools, and the unseen wind, the Holy Spirit. I can be ready to do all sorts of things and have a lot of plans, but until the wind fills my sails, everything is in vain....and absolutely not sailing. Not beautiful. Not natural.
There was one point in which we were sailing.....very slowly. The wind filled the sails and we were actually moving consistently. I said to my dad, "Don't worry, I'm not bored." Sometimes life looks like that, too. I should not be bored or anxious if life does not seem to be moving forward at the pace I would like.
I know there is more to glean from this. I'd love to hear your thoughts and dialogue more about it.
3 comments:
What a wonderful analogy between the components of sailing and those of your life. The pics are great. Your dad will love this blog. You have plenty of time for God to let you know where he wants you next. You've had your whole life more or less planned out for you from being born, being a toddler, going to pre school, and on through the grades until hs graduation. Then it seemed like the NSU years went quickly. Through BCM your life seemed to really change. You thrived on mission opportunities. Then your "call" to Armenia, a two years that was jam packed full of experiences that will last a lifetime. From reading your blog entries for two years, I know that your love of the people and of spreading God's love and Word made you the happiest ever. I even wondered if you would be here a month, and then say, "I want to go back". I think missions will always be a big part of you in one way or another.
It's not just the wind... but the direction of the wind greatly determines where you are going and how easy/fast (I think) you'll get there. I'm sure that has an application, too.
Great post! Far too often we live our lives trying to motor around on our own power. In some ways we may still be able to do things on our own, but we're not doing it right. We're not serving our purpose. Until we allow ourselves to be filled with the wind of the Holy Spirit, we're missing out on the beauty and power He gives. The last part of your post about being anxious in life is a great encouragement. God doesn't do things on our perceived schedule or pace, thankfully.
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