Washed Ashore

Isaiah 43:1-2 – Do not be afraid — I will save you. I have called you by name — you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. (GNB)

We recently spent a very warm day at our local beach. It was unfortunately extremely windy, and the large whitecaps on Lake Erie made swimming impossible. The threat of an undertow was too great.

Still, we had a wonderful time making sand castles, paddling in the water close to shore, and walking along the beach.

We were surprised on our walk to see many balloons that had been washed ashore. Knowing the hazard they presented to aquatic and shore wildlife, we picked them up on our return. There were over twenty mylar balloons, and a handful of regular balloons as well. Some had long ribbons attached to them. Many had been in the water so long that all of the colour had been washed off, but a few were readable. There was a "Happy Father's Day" balloon, a "Happy Birthday" one, one congratulating 2001 Grads, and several with cartoon characters.

Where did they come from? We were puzzled, until we came upon a yellow balloon from a radio station in the United States. The balloons had bobbed and drifted across the lake. Quite a journey!

It is hard to believe that a balloon could make it that far. Some of them were worse for wear, though — broken, faded, filled with sand.

If it weren't for God, we would also be helpless. We would travel through life with no direction. But God is our anchor. We don't have to drift aimlessly through life. He will hold onto us and never let us go.

Prayer: God in heaven, be our guide. Help us in life's journey. In times of trouble, let us know that You are watching us, holding us, loving us. When we are afraid, give us peace. Amen.

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