Traversing the Uncharted

     Choppy seas and high tide cam make for some interesting, possibly scary journeys. We never know when a storm is going to come toting dark clouds that loom menacingly overhead. All it takes for those torrents to burst forth is one drop, or stressor, too many.

     Homeschooling brings with it various periods of weather to the voyage. We do not know what the forecast is calling for. Storms can sneak up on us. A family’s journey is not mapped out. We may know where we want to go, but we cannot be certain that we will hit our target. We are on course for the unknown.
     Some days are light and airy, smooth sailing, so to speak. Those are the days we can sit with our children remembering how blessed we are. Of course, every day is a blessing, some days feeling blessed seems a little easier. I sit pondering, why would God choose to bless me as He has. Sunny days are always a welcomed presence.
     Nevertheless, there are moments that I find my family is indeed traversing choppy waters. If the storm is severe enough, I may have a hard time discerning sea from sky, land from water and weakness from strength. My navigational bearings are sent asunder leaving this captain at the helm of her ship, wondering if we will make landfall by sunset. If I cannot grasp the direction I need to head, my map is of little use. Instead of relying on the North Star, I search hopelessly and mistakenly for islands or any other external tool I can come across. I am grasping at air. All that is needed is Him. (Luke 10: 41-42)
     Listen and take note of Paul’s encouragement. “and He said to me, `Sufficient for thee is My grace, for My power in infirmity is perfected;' most gladly, therefore, will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Christ may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) We are not fit to battle the storm or sail through. Only He holds the power to overcome.
     Every storm holds potential in the clouds. It is when we allow ourselves to engage with the storm, rather than against, as the cold front blows in, we will grow. We can grow in love, compassion and strength to name a few areas. There are certainly times little storms can train us to be better captains in more abrasive, painful storms. On the other hand, if we are not careful we may lead our crews to a barren island that cannot sustain life. In our own strength we will find ourselves shipwrecked at some point. We can create disasters from little storms. What was meant to be a shower becomes a deluge of our own creation.
     What direction does our scope point? We need to keep our scopes focused upon true North, our Captain Jesus Christ. When our scope goes awry, what are we to do? What are we to do when we are hanging on by a thread searching for a dinghy? Look up and out at the horizon. I guarantee you will see our Rescuer. He is more than a raft, buoy or tugboat. He is our Life Saver!
     Jesus can calm the waters and still the storms. Luke 8:24 reminds us, “The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.” May we never let our faith waver as Peter, when we reach out for His hand. God will not let us sink or leave us gasping for fresh air. He is our Life! Grab hold and rejoice when a storm blows into port or out at sea. Those are the times God shows us how far we have come in our journey with Him and how much closer we are to our destination.
     The skies will clear. The waves will cease. And our hearts will find their Captain. There are days we would be wise to remember to ask Jesus to come aboard, take the wheel and steer. Waves are not ours to fight alone, nor should we try. If you find yourself in the midst of a storm or trudging through a flood, look up! Turn over the wheel. Maybe you are basking in the Son today, may you soak in the warmth. Just remember, whenever we find our schooling off -course there is no need to fret. Our journey with Jesus will never cease. You may have to delve into the deep and unknown, but the destination will be worth it. Praise God we are being guided by the perfect Captain, no matter the forecast!