After a very difficult and challenging year, we decided to have some time-out during the holidays by taking our little sailing boat on the river for some short runs. My husband had spent a good part of the month restoring the little ‘Mirror’ sailing boat. He’d carefully mended it, cleaned it and painted it. He skilfully crafted the artwork for the name, the ‘Esperance’ which means ‘to hope’ or ‘in expectation’. It was ready to go and we were very excited to take our little boat on it’s maiden voyage.
With grandparents in tow, we headed to the river. No sooner had we arrived when we realised that we had forgotten to bring the most important part. It was only a small piece, but without it our little boat would sail in circles with no direction. So home we went to get the rudder.
Stepping into that little boat felt like the waves were washing away the cares of the world. The gentle lapping of water, the sound of the flapping sails, the whip of the salty wind flying past my ears and the warmth of the sun on my face made every weary thought vanish for a little while. It was nice to sail on smooth seas for a time, but as we well know, there are many storms that life throws at us and life is not always smooth sailing.
Only two days later my husband and son took the Esperance out again, but this time into strong winds to see what it could handle. The sails whipped and the boat rocked threatening to topple it. My husband rowed to shelter where he and my son found refuge.
After a year of smooth and rocky seas, I love the hope that comes with a new year. We say goodbye to the old and somehow, with the difference of one night, the morning brings with it a sunrise of new opportunities, a resolution to eat better, live better and be better.
My Favourite Christmas carol, Oh Holy Night resonates with me all year long. Especially the words, ‘A thrill of light, the weary world rejoices for yonder lay a new and glorious morn’.
Even in the midst of billowing clouds shines a light brighter than any other, a constant light that never goes out. His name is Jesus, the light of the world and he has the power to calm the rough seas in our lives.
‘Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it’s waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.’ (Psalms 46:2)
With Jesus as our rudder pointing us towards the eternal light of God, we can rest in his everlasting arms for shelter. He is our refuge from the wind and the shelter from our storms.
‘There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
He lifts his voice, the earth melts.’
(Psalms chapter 46 verses 4-6)
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
So that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’
(Romans chapter 15 verse13)
Happy New Year my friends and may you be truly blessed.
Adapted from original article by Rebecca Moore published in Christian Today Australia, February 2013
(c)Rebecca Moore 2015
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