Of the four sisters, Lynn and I drew the shortest straws–receiving less coordination than our other two sisters. To be fair to myself, I have more coordination than Lynn, but she is not as directionally challenged as I am. There are numerous comical stories my family enjoys telling. Just ask them! They are happy to share. Accepting the correct guidance and following through with the directions can be challenging.
The Peace River–Not!
In the summer of 1981, my oldest sister Lynn was 18, and I was turning 14. With our family on vacation in Arcadia, Florida, a trip down the Peace River seemed like a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Lynn, also know as The Boss, made the assignments. Gail and Julie paired in one canoe while Lynn and I took another.
Directionally Challenged
While Gail and Julie’s trip was smooth sailing, ours was nothing of the kind. To add to our coordination challenges, I am left-handed. Though I am not trying to stereotype left-handers, many of us truly do have difficulties with which is left and which is right.
Lynn could probably remember the play-by-play as to how we flipped the canoe and were upside down. I just know our lack of coordination and my directionally challenged self caused a serious issue. Lynn would call paddle left or paddle right, which would leave me in a dilemma. Which side is that?
Capsized
Not long into the trip, we capsized. Grasping for our canoe, we floated down the river. We were strong swimmers, a requirement of our childhood. So floating along in the refreshing water was not a problem. However, the recently dead alligator on the bank sure did put a fear in us! Needless to say, we scrambled and struggled, but finally flipped the canoe, crawling back in! I intently focused on my paddling directions as we steered ourselves for the rest of the river ride!
Life’s Adventures
Thankfully, I can say I have developed some skills in my navigational abilities over the years, for I have leaned on God to be my guide.
For the most part, life has glided along, but I have encountered my share of storms along the way. Several waves have tossed me around, leaving me seasick, thrown about. A few tsunamis have spit me out, abandoning me washed up on the shore.
Though tired and weary, with each struggle in life, God has provided me with the navigation needed. He is our rock, our source of strength in a broken world.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it.
Isaiah 30:21
Whether we have followed Him every day or wandering aimlessly without Him in the desert, He stands with open arms. Our world spews advice at every turn with much of it misleading. We must choose Him to be our guide.
