Staying the Course

Jenny/ December 10, 2017/ Family Life

 

Anyone who knows me very well, knows that if you talk to me very long the conversation will sooner than later turn to outdoor subjects.  It really doesn’t matter what I’m doing as long as its outdoors enjoying God’s amazing creation.  Of all the things a person can do outdoors to pass their time, there is none more special, in my book anyway, than drifting along with the current of an Ozark Stream in the most versatile and graceful craft ever made by man.  Of course by now you have figured out that I’m talking about a canoe.

It’s true that in rough waters or in the hands of a novice a canoe can seem to have a mind of its own and for sure no watercraft has been more responsible for wet and lost gear than a canoe.  But for navigating meandering waterways no other vessel comes close.

You would have to follow me around for a long time to catch me anywhere but in the stern of a canoe.  The bow and middle have their uses for sure but I love to be in control of the canoe and that can’t be achieved anywhere else than in the stern.  A good hand in the bow is priceless as well for looking out for obstacles and helping to steer but the person in the bow is mainly responsible for keeping the canoe straight and upright.

Actually, a canoe is very easy to handle solo.  But the difficulty levels just increase with the more passengers and cargo that you put on board.

In fact, it kinda makes me think about the most important of all job if you are a husband and a father.  Men, God has called us to guide our families down the winding and sometimes treacherous river that we call life.  The enemy, Satan, loves to throw obstacles in our way to try and swamp our canoes.  It’s our job to be constantly aware of the path ahead and to plan accordingly.

In canoeing of the fastest things that will get folks into trouble is to make a commitment to a certain route and then halfway through navigating a rough stretch of water try and change course mid-stream.  It’s a guaranteed recipe for disaster.

Not unlike in our everyday life as husbands and fathers we have made a commitment to our wives and children.  Let’s hold each other up and pray each day that God gives us the courage and wisdom to stay the course and guide them well.