So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
When we were on vacation, we decided to have a great adventure. We were on a barrier island and were going to start on one side where all you can see is the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. We were then going to follow the water’s edge and walk around “the hook” to the cove side. We’d be back to where we started.
Oh, what great plans we had! We wanted to be on our adventure during low tide. We started early in the morning so the tide wouldn’t cut us off while we were walking due to the water reaching the dunes. We were all prepared with snacks, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and even bags to bring back shells. Even though it was sunny out, it was chilly so we had on tennis shoes and pants.
Off we go…the sun was rising and it was beautiful! We enjoyed the birds and the sound of the waves. We kept a good pace while still looking for shells and whatever else awaited us, including an old shipwreck!
As we got over half way finished, we realized things weren’t going to happen quite the way we planned. We couldn’t keep going because there was no longer an edge for walking. It’s a barrier island, so there are constant changes taking place. Just because walking around the hook used to be done, doesn’t mean that will be the case later.
We had to turn around, and the tide was starting to come in! We weren’t in any danger, but it could make for a long trip back if we had to walk through the deep sand instead of the flat sand. It would be even worse if we had to wait until after high tide to keep going.
Things began going downhill when the tide kept coming in more and more. It started running in areas that we would have to cross. We no longer had a hard, defined edge to walk either. Shoes had to come off and piggy-back rides were necessary. This made the boys a bit nervous. We made it through, but then we needed to pick up speed before the tide reached the dunes, and we still had miles to go. Now we were walking through that deep sand. Talk about feeling like we were sinking. We didn’t think we were going to make it, but what an accomplishment when we did!
I sure can relate to the deep sand while homeschooling the past few weeks. We’ve been facing some challenges with curriculum. As the teacher, if I’m not sure what the answers should be, how am I going to be able to guide my student? This is where a good support system comes into play. I’d be silly not to receive help where God has planted it. He sure has anticipated our needs and put people in place to help out!
It’s important that just like on our adventure, I keep remembering why we’re homeschooling and the end goal. This applies to all areas of our life.
There are times when life is like that beach…nice and smooth…easily traversed. Yet, there are times when the sand is so deep that it is hard to move through. The important thing is not to let fear take over. Do not be dismayed because God will strengthen you and help you. He will uphold you with His righteous right hand.
The next time you’re walking through a challenge, read “Footprints in the Sand” and know that when you can’t take another step, there is someone to strengthen you…and carry you if necessary.
