In Sync
During summer, there is a lot of talk about Kayaking, enjoying a lake, stream, ocean, or taking on rapids. I know many people who love this experience and enjoy being in the water. Kayaking can deliver adventure, relaxation, and refreshment to your soul!
On a beach vacation years ago, Steve and I decided to go Kayaking together – in the same boat – referred to as tandem kayaking. Recently, I heard about tandem kayaking being called the “divorce boat” because of arguments that can occur between two people in the boat. What an AH-HA moment for me! I thought our experience was unusual, but evidently, there are more couples like us!
On our brief journey together, Steve took the back seat, and I took the front, which made sense then. So off we went into the deep blue sea, paddling away from shore with no coordinator or direction. Within a very short time, our conversation went something like this. Steve – “Liz, let me lead,” to which I responded, “Steve, I am in the front, so let me lead.” With two people wanting to lead on board, imagine how much fun we had – NOT! After a half-hour of fighting waves and arguing with each other, we called it a day. Steve’s hips hurt, and my idyllic bubble burst. Steve decided that Kayaking wasn’t his thing and we have never tandem kayaked again.
I wonder if my experience with Steve sometimes mirrors my experience with the Holy Spirit. There have been moments I don’t permit the Holy Spirit to set the course or easily cooperate with the direction I’m headed. I think I know better. I gently hear the Holy Spirit saying, “Liz, let me lead.” I complain, not seeing what He sees, attempting to use my strength to get where I want to go, all the while being frustrated. Maybe that happens to you also.
Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT) says:
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”
While our intentions may be good, we need to both listen to AND permit the Holy Spirit to set the pace and direction of our lives. Stop paddling so hard!
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 (NLT)
The Holy Spirit is a great leader! If we listen to His voice, He will help us, cheering us on and keeping us on course. He is our teacher, guide, and advocate. Just as the back-seat passenger of the kayak can change the course by exerting his or her will and strength, so can we change the direction where the Holy Spirit is wanting to lead. Our will MUST surrender to His will.
When we stop striving and trying to steer the boat, we can relax and enjoy the journey!
Though Steve and I couldn’t get our act together on our first tandem kayaking experience, I think we would do better today, understanding the process and communicating more effectively. Thankfully, the grace that we give to each other is minimal compared to the grace God gives us!
Philippians 2:13 (NLT) says: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
God’s grace abounds in our lives, and if you have been “metaphorically steering your tandem-kayak,” it’s time to give over control and see where God will take you!
You may find us on a tandem kayak this summer, enjoying the journey!
Liz
