No Wake

Psalm 90:10a – The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength. (NIV)

This past summer, I was treated to a cruise, which is something I had never done before.

One early morning as we slipped into port, I noticed the sign that was a warning to all the boats in the harbour. The only thing the sign said was, "No Wake"!

For those not familiar with the term "wake", it is the wave that is left behind by the speed of a boat as its sails along. Slowing down leaves less wake!

This brought to mind something that bothers me at times: the thought of aging and slowing down. The wake (so to speak) is less, and what is past seems to be gone. This is not all bad — for it is not good to dwell on the past.

As the years seem to pass faster, we should recognize that our wake may not be as big. As the boats are warned with the sign, "No wake", it is much safer for those in a crowded harbour if all approach slowly. The same warning is good for us: keep a safe pace, yet realize there are still things for us to do with our lives.

Psalm 90:12 – Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (NIV)

So here we are with no place to go but forward. Let us find truth to sustain us in the time we have, to grow ever more in God's will and in His Word — that each of us may gain not so much "wake", but a wise heart.

Prayer: Most gracious heavenly Father, be with us as we physically age, day by day and year by year. Quicken our minds and hearts that the Holy Spirit may dwell within us. Be present with us as we walk with You, one day at a time. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.