The ocean liner
churns through the waves, course plotted and sure to arrive at that other more
marvelous shore. No turning around, no
failing engines, no waves that can sink.
On board, the souls who play and laugh and hurt and worry and praise, and
sin. Choosing how to fill their days and
weeks, but no choice as to where the ship will land. In choosing their agenda, they sometimes
chose their sorrows and joys. But some
are chosen for them by the captain of the vessel, who seeks their best. And He sometimes interrupts their agenda to
offer His own. The waves rock their
world and the winds, though blowing up the waves, never change the course. Drs of hope on board to help with the sorrows
of consequence and of Captains choice,
can not cure all hurts and stop all waves, but prescribe the hope that bids
them trust the will of the Captain. Some
sailing souls seem to fall off and go under but it is the illusion of chance and not choice that makes it seem so. And even when healing comes, few know that the
origin is the captain. Stomping of feet and raging words seems to some, to alter the course of the ship, but makes the
journey harder and the storms darker for the feet that stomp. Sometimes the great joys of birth and
beginning and triumph cause one to see the shore and think the journey
done. But captain bids them burn the sandy
image in their heart while trusting the arrival time to Him. And sorrows send
passengers to the rail seeking vision of the shore or for some, seeking escape
into the waves. The captain always
stands and watches these with open arms and heart of compassion. Though he knows the choice before it's
made.
Plenty of food and
joy and purpose for all on board, but some do not leave the safety of quarters to
find it for they do not believe it is worth the risk.
And many who taste it have bellies already full of less satisfying food
and do not like it's taste or enjoy the company of those who eat it too. Joy is elusive to them while happiness
abounds in distracting moments and entertaining events. With double vision they believe yet doubt the shore exists and do not look from the rail
for anything but the waves and wind.
They have heard of captain but rarely recognize him on His rounds. The accommodations do not make His
friendship desirable to these. For some
the food is satisfying and rich and enjoyable and the company enriching. For these, joy grows in the midst of the churning stomach
of rocking waves, that bring tears and unsteady step. It is in knowing the destination and their
growing relationship with Captain that their hearts are settled.
All are imagined
masters of their journey but all arrive under one captains eyes and all will
see the voyage clearer when it ends.
All will reach the other shore and finally see the glory of the passage
but some of these more steadfast souls will arrive with multiple treasures to throw at the feet of the King
of that place. All will recognize and
love the captain and the King in that land of Holy peace and sweet fellowship.
Proverbs
16: 9 A man's heart plans
his way,
But the Lord directs his steps
