Heave To!

This is inspired by my love of sailing. God gave me a picture of a sailboat in a rough storm and there was an urging to "heave to" to stay in one place despite the coming rough winds and seas. A few weeks after I wrote this, I hit a hard patch emotionally and spiritually. This image and metaphor has given me hope and encouragement.

For those non-sailors out there, I have included the definition of "heave to" below:

Heave To - Definition
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaving_to
In sailing, heaving to (to heave to and to be hove to) is a way of slowing a sailboat’s forward progress, as well as fixing the helm and sail positions so that the boat does not actively have to be steered. It is commonly used for a “break”; this may be to wait for the tide before proceeding, to wait out a strong or contrary wind. For a solo or shorthanded sailor it can provide time to go below deck, to attend to issues elsewhere on the boat, or for example to take a lunch break.[1][2]

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Heave to, my boy
Keep your sails hoisted high
despite the wind and tumult
Leave the vessel at the ready
Regardless of the high cresting waves
Lock down the rigging
Let the rudder point the bow into the wind
Despite how illogical it may seam now
Ensure your soul's compass stays set
Toward True North
Study your heart's sextant
Be Guided by the mighty works of light
In the dark night's sky

Back-fill the jib
balance the powerful forces
Of your finely tuned ship
Bound for life 'a plenty'

Let the Master take the helm
For the winds and the waves listen to His calm voice

Step down into the cabin
Lie down in your cushioned berth
And rest
Let your attitude below reject the undulating swells above
And be resolutely firm in your shalom
Allow the handcrafted hull
To cradle you in the loving arms of the sea

Be at peace within
And rest




written March 7, 2015