Amongst the stories about Jesus, we read about the disciples rowing in rough seas and blustery winds, eventually seeing him walking on the water towards them, bringing him into the boat and suddenly being on the shoreline.
This makes me think about the times in our lives when we do what and all we can, to get where we need to be, row valiantly through difficult circumstances, give all we’ve got, get tired, frustrated, and blind to how we can navigate the way to our shoreline. This is the time when we need someone else to be in our boat, helping us to quickly cross the difficult waters to reach our goal. Sometimes pride gets in the way, and we feel that we have to be self-reliant, so row with all our strength and knowledge and still get nowhere as we don’t understand the tides and currents we’re in. We look at the people we know and don’t ask for help, don't realise they know how to find the way, or refuse if they offer. Willingness to let other people into our boat to help us go the distance, would release our time and effort for better and bigger things.
On the other hand we’re also the person who has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to help someone, and realises they’re tired. We're unable to walk on water, but have the capacity to help. We’ve recognised what they need to do, should offer to get into the boat to help them move more quickly and efficiently over their unsteady sea, but we don’t. What stops us? Not wanting to be seen as an interfering busy body, or being unwilling to face rejection if they chose not to use our capabilities. Being aware of our motivation for getting into the boat will go a long way to helping us do right by those we row with. Stepping out of our selves will enable us to offer, but not take rejection personally if it is not accepted.
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