I recently watched a documentary called “Maidentrip” in which 14 year-old Laura Dekker spent 18 months sailing around the world. Here’s the kicker. She did it alone.
She comes from a family that basically lives on the water so her skills and abilities were heartily grounded. Yet, to take on a trip like this would make even the most seasoned sailer quiver.
A crew flew to her destinations of port and captured her on-land film footage. However, the on-the-water footage was taken by Laura herself. Much like a vlog (a video log), she recorded her thoughts, feelings and experiences as her tiny boat cut across the world’s oceans.
One of the most impactful scenes for me was when she hit a storm in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Filmed by her from inside the boat, the waves, wind and rain hammered the vessel. I was expecting her comments to be ones of fear. Yet her commentary was, “I love seeing the wave splash across the bow. The spray is so beautiful and bobbing around makes this all fun.”
My mouth dropped open. Here she was in a near life threatening situation and she calls if fun.
The word is perspective. Laura knew that she could rely on her experience and equipment to make it through the storm. She knew that even in the worst cast scenario, help was only a short distance away. This knowledge released her fear, gave her perspective and allowed for even a bit of fun.
I know that many of you reading this feel like you are in a tiny boat on a big ocean being battered by an even greater storm. I know many of you wrestle with the sails of doubt and the ropes of fear. What would happen if you knew that our God is right there with you? How would the knowledge of him being an ever present help in times of trouble change your perspective? Yes, storms need tending to. They need managing and navigation. Yet, is there a possibility that the next wave could be the most beautiful one you’ve seen?
Sail on. Stay The Course.
Peace!
Todd Stocker 