They Aren't What They Never Were

Summertime means vacation time for most of us. In my growing-up years, vacation usually meant traveling and lots of it. I remember seeing several theme parks around the country, admiring their splendor from the distinct perspective of the perimeter fence. What my folks saved in admission tickets was made up for in highway miles.

My fondest vacation memories were formed in the Muskoka region of Ontario, Canada, at my grandparent’s lake home we referred to as “The Lodge”. Our family was joined by other members of the Dunkin clan for a week of hiking, swimming, and boat rides to Blueberry Island, a rocky affair of no more than an half acre situated about 100 yards from our dock.

On one particular occasion I remember being strapped into a life jacket. It was one of those bulky contraptions in the brightest shade of orange allowed by law. It nearly doubled the mass of my puny five year old frame, and was a serious deterrent to all things fun conceived in a kindergarten mind. But my parents assured me that if I was to go anywhere near the lake, this life preserver would keep me safe.

So down to the dock I waddled. Even at that age I had a high respect for the hazardous potential of deep water (“deep” referring to anything over 18 inches.) It probably stemmed from some unfortunate experience in a bathtub, but I digress . . .

When I saw my cousins racing their rowboats to Blueberry Island, I was quickly caught up in the excitement of the competition. In all the jumping and yelling I lost track of the edge of the dock and suddenly found myself immersed in the cold and very wet environment of Lake Joseph. The next thing I knew, I was being hustled up to the Lodge, crying and sputtering all the way.

Among the many emotions coursing through my mind I distinctly remember a sense of anger. As the Scarlet Pimpernel would put it, I was thinking “Sink me, your life jacket has betrayed you.” You see, when my mother assured me that the life preserver would keep me safe, I assumed she meant that it would keep me dry. In my childish ignorance, I was trusting this apparatus to do what it was never meant to do. Safe? Absolutely. Dry? No way!

Experienced any difficulties lately? Maybe you weren’t paying enough attention to the hazards, or got caught up in the excitement of the moment. Perhaps the difficulty is not even of your doing; it was just something you “inherited” from a family member or friend. Don’t be overwhelmed by a sense of betrayal or abandonment; the Lord has not left you. Watch for His rescue. It may not be what you expect but it will be what you need.

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered “Peace, be still”;
He can settle any sea,
But it doesn't mean He will.
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild;
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child.
-- Scott Krippayne

Blessings,

Pastor Dave