Docking the Boat
- Beth Mims
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
My husband and I went out on the Gulf of Mexico several months ago in search of grouper and red snapper. After snagging more than enough fish for the likes of us, we headed in to dock the boat. As he slowly floated us toward the dock where he would refuel, he instructed me to catch the lines to secure the boat to the dock.
I gingerly stepped on the side of the boat and thought, “This is okay. I can do this.” The boat continued to move forward/sideways into the tight spot, and I figured it was time to make my move. So, I did.
I stepped from the side of the boat toward the edge of the dock – right into the water.
Trapped between a large boat and a stationary dock is a dangerous place to be. Boats don’t stop like cars, and if it hits the dock the person in the water is smashed.
To my credit, I think, I didn’t yell or scream. I was too busy trying to keep from going under. With one hand still on the boat and one on the dock, I held myself in place until my husband realized there was a problem. This maneuver pulled pretty much every muscle in my body out of place – at least that is what it felt like.
With both of us working, we managed to get me up on the dock. My husband secured the boat, and then we surveyed the damage.
Skin on my arm was rolled into one large bruise and surrounded by multiple lacerations from the metal on the edge of the dock, and my hand and wrist were sprained. Bruises not yet visible could be felt, and I was bleeding all over the side of the boat.
Gradually, I collected myself, staunched the flow of blood with an old shirt, and started to determine if I was alive.
My biggest thought – “How did that happen?”
I have helped dock and load boats all my life.
One moment, one miscalculation, one distorted perception, though, was all it took to move from confidence to catastrophe.
I thought I had it covered.
How like life.
We tootle along thinking everything is great. We are competent and healthy and in control. We are insured. We have got it covered.
Then life happens. Misfortune strikes or tragedy punches us in the gut, and we are taken totally by surprise. We are left shaking our heads and wondering ‘how did that happen?’.
The reality is that we never have it covered. We are never totally in control of the next step or the next moment or the next breath. No matter how hard we try, we are unable to anticipate every possibility or prepare enough to avoid every calamity that may come. There is no certainty in this world.
Except for God.
That is why I need Him.
People used to say that the only things that were certain were death and taxes. I say that the only certainty I have is my Father in Heaven. He is my Rock, my sure Foundation. He doesn’t change. Hebrews 13:8 tells us this:
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
I don’t have to wonder if He will still be around tomorrow or the next day. I don’t have to worry about whether or not He will require a new password to reach Him when I get up in the morning or if I will have to learn a new language to speak with Him. He won’t cancel my subscription. He does not change.
Second Timothy 2:19 reminds me that “the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.” His foundation won’t crack or wash into the sea no matter what gale blows over it. It is sure. And because it is sure and steadfast, I am secure in Him.
I don’t know what tomorrow may bring. I don’t know what storms lie ahead. I’m sure there are joys as well as trials. I am positive of one thing, though. No matter what I face, I won’t face it alone. Wherever this life leads, I will walk with my Father.
I don’t have tomorrow covered, but He does.
Even if I step off a boat.
“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:2, KJV).
Father, this life is full of adventures. Some are excitingly good, and some are awesomely awful. Some I wish I could avoid. I am so thankful, though, that I don’t walk this life’s journey alone. I’m so thankful that You are my Rock, and no matter what happens, I can depend on Your constant presence and Your unfailing love. Grant me the grace to see You in each day, Lord. You are so, so good. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Think About It:
· Do you have insurance that positively, absolutely guarantees that you will never be alone?
· Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ who promised to be with you forever? (Hebrews 13:5)
Comments