almost missionaries: A sail.

Over the past month or so I have had this weird obsession and appreciation for the small hand crafted boats that the Haitian men, young and old, use to tackle the sea. Besides their strange visual appeal, there is a sense of nostalgic community that comes with these boats. Viewing their construction, leads me to imagine the hours and conversations that were poured into making these vessels sea worthy.

(Photo by Sean)

From our roof, Jen and I are blessed to have an amazing view of both the mountains and the sea. Many mornings as we approach our day, it begins on the roof as we spend some time with the Lord. All to often, as I sit, stare, read, pray, wrestle and write I can see, in the far distant, the Haitian men and their vessels off to work the sea. Now, I realize that much work comes on these small crafts, but I always sense a level of peace as I have ridden or observed these boats in their element. They bring forth a level of simplistic beauty that I can appreciate and crave.

(Photo by Wen & his Go Pro)

Jen and I have been studying the book of Acts and it’s funny how the Lord can paint pictures of His Word in our everyday lives. So as we read this past Sunday, I am thankful for examples in life that even I can understand and see.

Acts 2:2 (ESV) “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.”

So as we listened and studied I kept thinking back to the Haitian boats that have captured my admiration. By no means, have I ever been attracted to sailing before, but between our time in the Word and our new surroundings, sailing is right where my mind went.

(Photo by Sean)

How different would our lives be if we tried to be a sail rather than the rudder?

See the beauty of the sail comes from its source of power, not from itself. A sail alone is useless, shapeless, limp and powerless. Only when it becomes harnessed by the wind, does it become alive bringing forth graceful movement and majestic power.

(Photo by Sean)

So back to my question, how different would our lives be if we tried to be a sail rather than the rudder? What if we submitted to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and allowed Him to fill us, a sail, with Himself? Would we have a greater since of power? Would our appearance to a lost world be different? Would our course change, as we become the sail and let go of trying to be the rudder? What if I submitted my agenda to His, how would my days be different? Would I be a better Christian, a better husband, a better father, a better friend? In the most simplistic thoughts of my mind, YES, I would lose nothing of the Heavenly realm by releasing myself to His power. Now, believe me, I realize this is a daily battle, a moment-by-moment level of consciousness of the Wind, which can fill me, as the sail. So as the Haitian sailors arises each day to test their sails on the open water, I pray that I may open my life as a sail, so that the Lord could blow through me as a mighty rushing wind.