Going Sailing

August 30, 2009

My son got married yesterday! And yes, I did cry, but no snot-bubbles. Barefoot on a beach, the carnelian and azure of the water behind them and the mountains proclaiming Gods' power and might surrounding them. It was a moment I will always remember and hold close to my heart. The two of them have learned some powerful lessons of life and love in the past three years, and the values of trials.

"Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, His wonderful deeds in the deep." (PS 107:23-24)

The person who has not learned that every wind that blows can be used to guide us toward heaven has certainly not mastered the art of sailing, and is nothing more than an apprentice. In fact, the only thing that helps no one is a dead calm. Every wind that blows, from every direction, may help us toward the port of Heaven.

So seek only this; to stay well out to sea - and then have no fear of stormy winds. May our prayer be that of an old English sea-farer. "Oh Lord, send us into the deep waters of the sea, for we are so close to the shore that even a small breeze from the devil could break our ship to pieces on the rocks."

Remember that faith reaches its greatest strength while in the middle of trials, and confidence in the flesh and complacency will never endure testing. Fair weather faith is not faith at all.