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.
These blogs brighten up the day! Thank you for bringing light abd hope to the world. I hope a lot of people would read these and see how God can work in their lives. You are a gifted writer and story teller
This is a great blog. You are a savior writing these. Sitting in the house for several months has really taken it’s toll on so many people, including myself. You writing these have given hope and the ability to live vicariously through you and be able to enjoy life. As the country opens up more and more, the fear is still there, but you writing these blogs brings a sort of comfort that the world is missing, and needing.
Great blog! That sounds like fun, crabbing from kayaks! Your family lives out so many things that people on wish to do. You guys are truly blessed and you bless the rest of us by sharing these incredible blogs
Ok, I’m going to say it…you need to write a book. These stories are hilarious and are inspirational at the same time. I don’t think your family is out to get you, but you get to do things with them. It’s rare for teenage boys to want to spend ANY time with their parents, you are very luck indeed and blessed to have this time!
Was für ein großartiger Blog. Darüber haben wir nur gelesen, die blaue Krabbe. Klingt nach einer Delikatesse. Das klingt so, als hätte es so viel Spaß gemacht.
Another gem coming from a very prolific writer. Please keep these coming and shining through the world that is dark. We all need to remember the good and more simple times and enjoying the outdoors.
Meraviglioso! Questa è una storia di così tanto divertimento! Mi piacerebbe provare un granchio come quello un giorno. Scommetto che i pizzicotti farebbero male se prendessero un dito. Questo è rendere le immagini di divertimento nella tua testa per sempre!
Wonderful Blog!
That is a cool way to harvest the crabs! Sounds like fun, and I’d not like to struggle on a 45 minute paddle..that’d be tiring! Boys and their adventures…they’re fun, but they don’t like the flat water
I love reading these. They help me get through dark times in my life. Thank you.
Keep writing girl! These are fun and important for the world to see and learn about goodness. Light overtakes the darkness every morning….
This is great. Thank you for sharing some great stories about you and your family. We love these
Ah, a crab boil, so good, some corn, sausage, potatoes, shrimp and Cajun seasoning, so, so good…that’s what your blog reminds me of today!