A few years ago, I set out on my first epic sailing trip.
A group of friends and my husband & I piled into 2 – 27 foot sailboats early in the morning and left the safe shores of the harbour for a 12 hour sailing trip.
Although the air was a bit nippy, the sky was blue, sun was shining, and not a breath of wind was in the air.
The motors hummed along as we watched the scenery go by in slow motion.
As the day went on, the wind picked up and we were able to set the sails. There’s something quite amazing to hear the “whoosh” of the wind and the quietness of gliding on the water. We stopped for a delightful lunch on an island and took a ton of pictures at a breathtakingly beautiful (and cold!) waterfall.
We didn’t stay long, though, for we knew it was a long trip home. As we got closer to home, the sky started changing colors. Brilliant blue was replaced with gray and clouds heavy with rain loomed ahead. Winds had picked up speed, and I discovered the joy of riding large waves (with a skipper who knew how to handle them…).
It was so much fun!
~Until~
the rain started to pour, the wind picked up even more speed, and we discovered our motor was dragging behind the boat instead of in its mount where it should be.
An outcrop of ginormous jagged-edged rocks was approaching straight ahead, and rather than take down the sails and motor into shore (a much safer option), it was apparent that we needed to turn the boat with only the sails.
Oh. my. stars.
All those Reader’s Digest stories of people going overboard in a storm suddenly made sense. In a blink of an eye, one wrong move would have landed us all into the deep blue sea…
Thankfully, all ended well, and we laugh at the memory of that day.
It sure gave me a whole new perspective of “holding on” during a storm!
***
Although we may not experience actual windstorms on a sailboat many days of the year, sometimes life itself seems like a storm, doesn’t it?
This past year has been like that for me. Lots of changes and transitions. Fears and uncertainty.
It’s times like this that I’m grateful that I have an anchor to hold on to.
A hope. An all-knowing heavenly Father who loves and cares for me.
I was thinking this afternoon that I’m sure some of you are facing your own storms of life today. I don’t know what they are, but He does.
He cares. He loves you. He’s with you. Hold on to Him.
There’s no one better to take your hand and guide you through the stormy days.
So, if you are experiencing a gale force wind this morning, know that I’m thinking of you. I know it’s hard. Grab hold of that anchor. He’ll help you through. Breathe. One day at a time. Fix your eyes and thoughts on Him.
***
For those who prefer not to hand-paint a wall message, I designed a printable option that fits perfectly in a frame and can be placed anywhere you wish.
This verse serves as a steadfast anchor for the spirit: "We have this HOPE as an ANCHOR for the soul, firm & secure." Hebrews 6:19
And one more thing: This track has become a recent favorite of mine. I believe you’ll enjoy it as well…
