In The Boat Together!

Last week I had the enjoyable experience of going canoeing. Being utilized by the group of almost fifty paddlers were some five person, three person and two person canoes, as well as several one person kayaks. Those in kayaks had to do all the work themselves to travel the approximately three hour round trip to and from the island that was our destination for lunch. Those (such as myself) who shared a canoe with others had help in moving along. The load was shared, even providing the opportunity to rest the arms for a while as others took over. The journey we shared was made through changing weather (sunshine, hard rain, and wind at times) and through some places of strong current. At one point I watched from my position in the back of the canoe as water began to pour in one side, but together the situation was corrected as the center person in our canoe immediately got down low in the bottom of the boat to concentrate more of the weight there while the other two of us rowed and our vessel was rebalanced. Without a word, each of us did OUR PART and our journey continued. Had we worked against each other we would have most likely gone all the way over. The two teens in the canoe with me were great crew to share the journey.

A couple nights ago, while sitting in a restaurant along the waterfront of Port Townsend, I watched two men in a rowboat. As they moved along I was struck by the thought that it definitely appeared to be a two person rowboat. It was an older wooden boat that appeared to necessitate the work of two individuals as it moved along. What I observed was one man rowing while the other was continuing to bail water out of the old boat.

On this life’s journey, going it alone leaves us with challenges that can be difficult and at times even very fearful. However, as we acknowledge how we are in it all together, we can help one another remain afloat and moving toward our ultimate destination. At varying times the journey demands for us each to step forward and fulfill needed functions. Sometimes we help bring balance to the lives of others. There are times when it is our turn to row a little harder. We may even need to help do some bailing in the lives of others. (However, may that be the action of being there for them rather than bailing out on them.) We will also find ourselves as being the recipients of such aid.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he exhorted…
“(15) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, (16) from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, WHEN EACH PART IS WORKING PROPERLY, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” ( Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV)

Let us be mindful of the journey we are on together and how our combined individual efforts help to make the traveling easier. We are not in it alone. As each of us are doing OUR PART the journey through life will go better. May we be encouraged as we move along together regardless of the conditions around us.

Have a great day PRESSING ON TOGETHER!
Carl

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