Friday, September 11, 2009

Getting out of the boat

There was a time when I thought the good life involved getting dressed up every day and driving to an office. Once there I would write important memos – later emails. I would attend important meetings and make poignant comments. I drafted proposals. Participated in serious high-level conference calls and even decided the fate of those who didn’t perform all of the above as expert as I.

I thought this was reality.

In reality, it was my boat.

My boat?

Yes, as in the story in the bible in Matthew 14: 25 – 32.

This is where the 11 apostles were in a boat in a storm and at about 3 AM Jesus goes by walking on the water. Only Peter dared to get out of the boat to come to Jesus.

We all know the story. Peter walked on the water too until his fear got the best of him (or his faith faltered) and he sank like a stone.

What we don’t usually think about is that Peter did get out of his seat – his comfort zone – and followed the master.

I’ve been given an amazing gift. The invitation to leave the boat (my comfort zone – my job – playing office) and join God in the very important task of helping a very sick child walk the last few miles of her short life.

I have the opportunity to mentor a young boy from day one of high school into young adulthood unencumbered by the boat.

I get to be a full-time daddy for three precious little girls at the most formative time of their lives.

I have the freedom and the experience to be there for my adult children as they navigate the choppy waters of adult life.

There are days I think about swimming for the boat like crazy. And there may come a time when it will be time to get back in. But for now, I’ve been given the five talents of a lifetime, and with God’s help, I will invest them (and this time) wisely.

[Via http://losinglucy.wordpress.com]

No comments:

Post a Comment