Almost everyone has impressions and images of what it might be like to sail the waterways and oceans. And, indeed, some have actual experiences of their own.
There’s the sailors crossing an ocean in a storm, waves crashing over the boat, and crew hanging on and bracing against the gunnels. Then, there’s the racer rounding a marker with inches to spare.
And, who hasn’t had, at least in their imagination, the experience of dropping anchor in a quiet cove, just off a shore surrounded by palm trees and a secluded pristine white sandy beach. One of my favorites.
Or, waking up in that same cove at sunrise with a latte in hand, overlooking the mirror-like waters. You try, but you can’t make out where the sky and water start or end.
Then there are the moments that gave me the inspiration to write this reflection.
At times, I could find myself at the helm of the sailboat with very little to do. For a moment, in my thoughts, I was not the captain; I was just along for the ride. No trimming of sails. No navigational tasks to calculate. No taking care of any crew or passengers’ needs or conversations to engage in.
All of a sudden, I would be intensely aware of something. I was in a place I knew was different. This place, however brief, was very special indeed.
I would first notice how there wasn’t really a defined sky or horizon. For a moment, they were almost combined as one. Then, I would become aware of the position of the boat. The boat was below the water line as well as above it, with me on the deck. I was floating, hovering, riding? I did not know.
Slowly, I recognized the bow piercing the waves so effortlessly. Finally, the gentle sound of the wind was engaged in a perfect duet with the water. The wind and water were gently passing the boat.
Years later, I found a verse that seemed to somewhat explain special moments like this one that occurred while I was sailing. And, to my amazement, it’s right at the beginning of the Bible: God’s love letter to his creation.
“The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:2 (New King James Version)
Allow me to end with one last reflection about the sea that I once heard and that has stayed with me. It goes something like this: Imagine reaching down with your hand into the sea and grasping a handful of ocean. You lift it up and it slips out through your fingers until it’s gone.
Well, isn’t that like our lives? As hard as we try, it’s gone all too soon. However, stop to consider the amazing grace that Jesus offers. Jesus offers us the whole ocean that never ends.
Perhaps the moments I found myself leaning over the rail, watching the bow glide through the sea, is explainable. I like to think the Spirit of God and the grace of God came together in those moments – maybe even giving me a small glimpse of that endless ocean that Jesus promised.
Can’t wait.