Life in a canoe

I awakened at 4:20 AM this morning, ready for the day and wondering why.  Karen commented the other day that I have really seemed 'busy' lately ... and perhaps should relax a bit (that's the pot calling the kettle black).  But I've noticed in the past few weeks that the world around me seems in a bit more chaos than usual ... or maybe I've just noticed more.  With the deaths of several folks I've known for years, the break up of several families, the simple dysfunction in some people,  and the orphanage of three adolescent girls ... some things come more clearly into perspective.  This morning I prayed this mantra:  "Lord Jesus, I ask your Spirit to enter into my heart." ... emphasizing a different word each time I said the phrase.   I believe that in each of these situations, He has given and will provide discernment, wisdom, and peace ... reminding me that His grace and His presence is sufficient ... for today.  Yesterday gives memory and perspective and tomorrow has enough worries of its own ... but he has given me life ... and that life abundant.

So what's with the canoeing?  Well I've had several opportunities to spend time in a canoe and most recently this summer in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota and southern Ontario.  As with my hiking experiences, life in a canoe has many lessons to carry back to life without a canoe.   Simply speaking ... each day begins on a lake that exemplifies the beauty of His creation and much of what is around me is very similar to what surrounded me yesterday.  But what lies ahead is known only to Him.  Yes, I have a map and need to pay careful attention and I do have the choices in which way to go, but I'm met at the end of the most difficult portage by a new beginning and a new adventure.  No matter how difficult or long the path, I know I have to carry the canoe and all of the packs and gear I've decided to carry with me.  I know I can stop and rest - but I'd rather push on until I can set down my load and get back in the canoe.  Because when I start off again, the canoe is carrying my burden.  All I have to do is paddle... and I know that if I stop paddling, I will drift away from my goal.  I'll still get to where I wanted to go, but it will take longer.  So for now, I'll just keep paddling - knowing there will be another portage and another lake.  Oh, if only I could spend life in a canoe.