Where Have You Been?

Psalm 131:1,2 – Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely, I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother; my soul is even as a weaned child.
Psalm 18:36 – Thou has enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.Living on an island means that one has to leave either by flight or ferry. Either way, we put our life in a captain's hands, trusting that we will be guided safely. Flights are quick, but expensive. Ferries are economical, much slower, and give one the option of going by foot or vehicle. There is also more time for reading, thinking or other things.

Every once in a while, I like to sit at the rear of the ferry, looking back at where we've been. I like to see the place I've left gradually get smaller in the distance; to watch the way the ferry leaves a "trail" in the water; to see the little boats that bounce around, manoeuvring our "wake"; to observe people on the back deck. It always seems like I'm seeing it for the first time, and always, there's something new and interesting to see.

Life is like being on a boat. We have the choice to put our lives in God's hands, trusting that He will guide us through the trip of our life.

It's a good idea every once in a while to "check in"; to see where we started out, and where we are now in our relationship with our family, our friends, our fellow workers, and in our relationship with God; to see if some of the things we thought were so big, so hard to understand and let bother us, have gradually become smaller; to look at what kind of a "trail" we're leaving behind. Does something need changing? What "trail of faith" follows us, one of some uncertainty that falters, or one that is steadfast and strives to understand? What about those who are left in our "wake"? Will they be bouncing around or be able to manoeuvre their way? Will He, or will we, have left them on gentle waters?

Perhaps we'll see something new that we'd missed because we were too busy, concentrating on other things. Will we be able, when looking back, to see some things in a new light and be buoyed by how far we've come?

What will we say, when we're asked: "Where have you been?"

Prayer: Thank you Father, for our ability to "look back", to change what needs to be changed; to see things in a different light; to gain new understanding and grow with it. We offer our thanks for all those who help us get from where we have been to where we are going, and for your presence with us every step of the way, bringing us ever closer to you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.