Month: June 2020

If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Galations 6:3

As we were preparing to launch our kayaks today, I was excited about our bay and creek adventure that was ahead. We’ve had mix success in this new world on the water that we’re embracing. Without being very knowledgeable about all things water sports, some research needed to be done.

A class was taken online, and I went over safety about a thousand times with my boys. I tried…with my teenage boys…to talk safety. Anyhow, who knew we needed more than a kayak, a paddle, and a lifejacket? After all those talks, I think they began using “it’s for safety purposes” to their advantage. Their father got in on it too. For example, a GPS was needed instead of a compass. Fine. Really though, I think they wanted the fish finder that just happened to have a GPS with it!

What was the best way to be prepared for this salt life? Having people with previous experience sharing their knowledge of course! Although, I’m wondering if there wasn’t some wish list items that appeared as necessity items. I think they all were in cahoots.

The first ramp that was made to launch the kayak was out of scrap lumber, and it was a little heavy, awkward, and needed some improvement. The big trial was a few weeks ago. Everything was ready and our lifejackets were on. My youngest had previous experience with kayaks, and he wanted to go first.

Let me tell you, it’s quite a new concept of having neighbors with front row seats for the show! The entertainment was quite spectacular. It consisted of action and suspense with a few bloopers thrown in for laughs. They got that piece of wood slid over the sea wall, down went the kayak, then it was time to move the kayak down to the dock for boarding. That kind of worked…more or less. My son was in the water being tossed by the waves when he made the announcement it was too rough out. He did learn something!

When it was time to bring the kayak out, I quietly slipped out of my lifejacket and cowardly snuck back to the house. It wasn’t as easy to bring the kayak back up the ramp. I didn’t want to get in the way or have my opinions slip out at an inopportune time.

Take two was the next day. It was a fun paddling trip! We stayed out the perfect amount of time and enjoyed without anyone landing in the water. It was energizing trying something new and seeing success! Getting used to our kayaks was our goal for the day, and we accomplished that with perfectly calm waters.

I sent the three guys out fishing for the next trip. They explored a creek and had a blast. They didn’t catch any fish but pulled up some blue crabs. I filed that information away and encouraged something different to be done with that ramp.

That brings us to yesterday. We decided to have a trial run with the new and improved PVC pipe ramp. Thank heavens for wonderful people willing to help figure out these oh-so-important challenges in life! Guess what? It worked smoothly and easily! We figured it was time for another trip on the water, which led to today’s excursion. Since we knew where there were crabs from their fishing experience, I knew what we were going to do.

Although entertainment value went down, the process of getting on the water was a much smoother one. Well, there was the issue of my uncontrollable laughter due to my hubby’s struggle of getting from the ladder into the kayak. Don’t worry, he made it. Kind of. No, he made it.

It was a calm and beautiful morning with the seagulls laughing, dragonflies darting about, terns looking for food, egrets sailing above, and the marsh grasses whispering in the light breeze. We divided up and found our spots. After dropping our strings into the water, we waited. Before long, the tug on the line came. We slowly brought the line up, and the crab was caught. It was a great start! Several were put back to grow some more; however, we got plenty for a feast.

Challenges certainly found a way of working into our day. Number one, those crabs were stubborn! They liked to use their claws to latch onto the net. They’d tangle themselves up, and we’d have to work a puzzle to get them out. At least they didn’t get us! Number two, the paddle back home was quite interesting. The wind and current were working against us. The water was no longer smooth as glass. Up the kayak would go, down it would splash.

What was a calm, relaxing ride to our spot turned into a focused and determined one on the way home. It wasn’t the motion that bothered me, it was the strength that was needed to move forward! It was 45 minutes later, but I pulled up to the ladder as my kayak bobbed up and down in the water. Oh, sweet survival, I made it! The boys were all smiles with my oldest completely stoked. He informed me that the water I was leaving was the best to kayak in. Safety boys. Safety first!

After grabbing a bite to eat, I collapsed onto the floor beside the dining table. I wasn’t making it any farther. I informed them that I was onto their plan, they were trying to kill me. They looked at me with shocked expressions and protests coming out of their mouths. Nothing registered. There I stayed, sound asleep, for about two hours.

I had a better outlook after getting back up this afternoon. I recognized I wasn’t really in any danger, but I needed to get into better shape. Those crabs better be good.

My conclusion from today is that challenges are a part of life. I might even conclude that they can be healthy! If nothing was a challenge, how would we find satisfaction in overcoming struggles or accomplishing a difficult task? It seems to me that what comes easily doesn’t develop the character that helps us become the people God intended for His children to be. It reminds us that someone bigger needs to be in the lead.

Honestly, I think it’s easy to crumble under pressure even when we rely on God. We’re human and giving up control is uncomfortable. When there isn’t any reliance on God, I’m afraid we’re just deceiving ourselves. I would hate to see a hurdle placed before someone who just can’t jump it on their own. I don’t won’t anyone to face that terrible pain when it isn’t necessary. The sad fact that people who’ve denied Jesus will.

Today, try looking at challenges in a new way. Try thinking that they aren’t something set before you to defeat you but to give you the opportunity to make a choice. The choice can be of reliance not on your own ability, but on that of God’s. You are never alone, things aren’t ever hopeless, and there’s a great feast waiting at the end of the challenge! Mine just happens to include some blue crab.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

It’s been a time of change for my family, and even though we’d been settling into our new home in a new state, it’s given us a crash course on stepping out of our comfort zones. We never imagined the changes that were still to come! One of my first appointments scheduled in our new area was for the pup’s annual checkup. I was scrolling through a list in my head the morning of the appointment.

Did I have his medical records? Check.

What about remembering everything I needed to tell the doctor and the questions I had? Of course not; that’s where my notes would come into play.

I did schedule the first appointment of the day, didn’t I? Yes, pretty sure.

Do I have the stool sample? Ugg! Not something I wanted to think about first thing in the morning, but that’s life.

I had the address, right? Yep.

Oh, the dog! It might be kind of important to grab him.

Our appointment with a new veterinarian had me a little nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. Even though he wasn’t a perfect pup at his old veterinarian’s office, I pretty much knew how he’d behave. We’d been through the process many times before.

After those first couple checkups when he was just a little thing, and quite fearful, that pup learned the veterinarian’s office was a place to absorb love and good feelings from all.

He’d get through the door quite politely, and then he’d get a view of the high desk off to the side. Knowing that there was someone behind the impossibly high barrier just waiting to see him, he’d become Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. Bouncing up and down he’d go, trying to get a good visual of his favorite person there.

Although he’d take about ten seconds to get himself under control, he would proceed to put on quite the show of an engaged, mannerly pup. Now he was faced with a new situation with people he didn’t know.

This new situation could play out in a few different ways. That’s why I wanted an appointment when it wasn’t very crowded inside. I was wondering if I’d get the out-of-control, bouncy pup who forgot he was now four years old and was capable of better behavior, or would I get the tail tucked, afraid, shaking, and not wanting to be seen pup?  There was a smidgeon of hope I’d get a calm, controlled, well-mannered, and confident dog. That was my dreaming big picture.

There might have been a slight argument with the GPS, making us arrive without much time to spare. This was after leaving fifteen minutes early, I might add. That sarcastic voice which likes to tell me what all I do wrong isn’t right all the time, even if my hubby thinks it’s operator error. She gets something wrong but still acts all inconvenienced when she needs to begin her “recalculating.” She’s the one who took me to a field!

Anyhow, after finally making it, I left the pup in the car so I could fill out the paperwork. Having finished, I took a deep breath, thought good thoughts, asked God to please help him not act like an idiot, and went to get him. He did his business and became a very attentive dog. I began gaining a little confidence for that appointment.

I opened the door to the office, and he politely waited for me to enter before following behind. Hmm…so far, so good. What was he going to do when he saw the tall desk that was similar to the other office? Well, he was going to completely ignore it of course. Alrighty then. We sat in the waiting room for some time before being called back to the exam room. Just enough time to test his control, I thought.

First up, was a cat walking around freely right in front of us. I was quite curious to see his reaction to this entertaining view. As he was sitting there with his head high and chest out, he paid no attention to the cat. Zero. I thought that was rather interesting.

Next came a dog scurrying out of the back to chase after the cat. Well, that even got my attention. Nope, nothing. “Oh, the peasants they allow into this office,” he seemed to say. Wait, what? You need to get off your high horse sir!

We even had a lady come in for one thing but got sidetracked when seeing Mr. Dignified sitting there. I thought, we’re done for. He’s going to get excited now; however, he sat there regally while waiting for me to give him the command to say hello. Shocked is a good word to describe feelings as he calmly approached her, sat down, and let her love on him a bit. Then, he gave her a head nod while resuming his place beside me. I’m telling you, that’s what it seemed like! Whose dog was this?

When we were called into the office, I was pretty much over my nerves, but was incredibly intrigued to watch the next act. I noticed a second of hesitation, but after a small sigh, he took everything like a champ while maintaining his dignity. Impressive.

The shots were administered, and we were wrapping up the appointment when he turned his back to all of us and put his nose about three inches from the door. He stood there. I think I heard him mutter, because he wouldn’t dare say something out loud that could be used against him, “I am finished here. Please open the door my servant.”

I guess I got my answer about how he’d behave. He was playing the royal part of prince for the appointment. The third scenario I hoped would happen came true, even though he was a bit snotty with it all. Seriously though, I was impressed. He had manners, was under control, and even showed love to that sweet lady who took the time to pet him.

Looking back, my pup was teaching me a lesson. We can handle new and difficult situations with confidence. It isn’t because we know we’re going to say everything right. We probably won’t. We might miss the mark. When I’ve spoken with what I know was from a heart of love, people have still taken offense. Some have simply ignored.

With all the opinions flying and people dissecting everything said, it might be easier to not say anything. Seems like that’s what the devil wants. Just like my pup knew that I was there if things took a wrong turn, I know that Someone is watching out for me too. Someone with far greater power than a GPS.

Those negative outcomes stuck with me, but the pup is helping me learn that we can’t put our memories on current situations. It stunts our growth, and we miss too many opportunities to connect with and encourage others. More times than not, those words I stepped out to say actually helped someone.

In a time when chaos seems to be reigning, an overwhelming feeling of helplessness, or even hopelessness, can take over when we start living in fear of how our words will be taken. That’s how the devil will separate us, discourage us, and silence us. My pup was willing to walk into a situation he wasn’t sure how to navigate. He didn’t freeze and refuse to walk through the door. He took one step at a time. He was brave. I believe we can be too.

Ask God for the words to say and have conversations, even if they’re scary and hard. If we speak from that place of love, if we show respect, if we always allow people to maintain their dignity, this world will become a better place.

I challenge you to speak in kindness and love today. Don’t shy away from the hard topics. I’d rather see us ask questions and get it wrong due to ignorance, than keep a division because of silence. Don’t remain quiet because you’re afraid to look silly or be rejected.

Also, remember that just because someone is speaking louder than you doesn’t mean you need to be silent or use the same tactics as them. Loud children will come to a halt quicker than anything if you start whispering to them instead of shouting over them. Does God shout at us or whisper to us? He gets His point across. Something to think about.

Do go into situations willing to hear a different viewpoint. That doesn’t mean you reject what you believe, but it’s amazing what you can learn and how you can grow from true conversations that aren’t just arguments. Appreciate the differences of others. Show empathy. Stand up for those who are being treated wrongly. Do have integrity and show love. See people’s potential and not their insufficiencies. Do give people the benefit of the doubt if you feel insulted because maybe what they’re trying to say comes from a place of good intention.

Maybe I need to take a page out of my pup’s book and hold my head high, stand taller, and work on this confidence thing. What about you? Are you able to bring out your inner royalty today? I’m not talking about being someone who is better than others, but remembering 1 Peter 2:9. Leave the darkness, the chaos, the uncertainty, the overwhelming feelings, the helplessness, and the hopelessness if they’ve tried to take up residency inside you.

You are needed. Don’t let your insecurities halt progress. Step into God’s wonderful light. Start a conversation and make a positive difference today!