“And when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so the boat was being swamped by waves; but He was asleep. And they went and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” Matthew 8.23-26 ESV
We all go through storms in our lives. I know I survive here today because of the divine’s loving generosity to put companions into action in my life. Our family has had the lucky privilege to have sailed a couple of the Great Lakes - Michigan and Huron. Generally, we sailed when conditions were predicted to be favorable. However, on long crossings, the weather can turn leaving us exposed to rough seas and stormy skies.
I remember one such terrifying crossing from Beaver Island off the coast of Lower Michigan to Sister Bay on Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. It was an overnight crossing, with moonlight providing the only light. At nearly exactly the midpoint of the crossing, the wind built to well above my comfort level and the lake began its rollicking waves. Lightning filled the sky and thunder echoed its warning. With nowhere to turn but inward to our own survival skills, our only choice was to carry on.
My husband’s life has been full of sailing experience, and he served as our capable captain navigating across the lake as waves crashed against the vessel and the wind filled the reefed sails tilting the hull. While I trust in the boat’s captain and my ability to crew, I also called on our Father in heaven to protect us through the storm and once again deliver calm seas. After hours of endurance, the storm passed. Dawn broke as we reached our designated harbor. Never had I been so happy to dock our beloved Sabre 38.
Each time we look at a blue sky, we can recognize the spirit of the Lord and know the hope His love for creation brings. This earth and sky are evidence of a magnificent existence. It is beautiful to think we too are part of God’s creation, part of the beauty of this world. We are meant to be vessels of love shining across the horizon, a beacon for those traveling through temporary storms. The clouds do part, and the wonder of clear skies reminds us of the presence of God.
I ask the Lord to guide me to those in need, to help me shoulder some of the burden for another. I ask God to give me words to speak comfort and peace to those who are frightened.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for my many great companions who do your work on earth. Help me to be a true friend of yours spreading peace and comfort to those enduring life’s storms.
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