Just fetch a paddle and get into the kayak; is it really that easy? The answer is, “no.” Add a swift creek tide and you have a challenge on your hands.
Kayaking is all about balance. It’s about hugging the marsh to escape the currents or pull. Sometimes you paddle backwards when you get into a challenging situation. There are those times when going with the flow is the way to go. It’s about timing your journey.
Thomas and I kayaked along Hut Creek last week. I hugged the shore for safety and paddled backwards as I fought the pull of the tide. We timed our excursions to enjoy God’s blessings and especially loved drifting with the tide.
When we are in the beginning of our journey, we grab a paddle and go. Then we enter the pull of marriage, children, and jobs. We learn to find those safe places and people to help us on our journeys. Many times we spin backwards as hard lessons are learned. However, at the end of day, if you are wise, the ultimate goal is to enjoy drifting through God’s blessings. How do we accomplish this? With self-improvement and self-development skills to balance life.
Thomas Jefferson is attributed to saying, “In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock.” I saw this quote written on a plaque in Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The words jumped out at me during one of the most difficult times of my life when I had to paddle backwards The plaque hangs in my home and is a constant reminder of the importance of a balanced and steady character.
Pass this on to someone who needs to be reminded that a life well lived is like a kayak well paddled.
