By RaeLynn DeAngelis
Now that our adult children have left the nest, we don’t get to see them as often as we would like. Planning fun outings helps us bond as a family and create special memories. Floating downriver on innertubes is the perfect way to have fun, experience God’s creation up close and personal, and cool down at the same time.
When we arrived at the tube rental place, it was hot and humid; the air was stifling! We couldn’t wait to get in the water.
After selecting my floatation device from the unkempt pile of tubes by the riverbank, I stepped into the cool, refreshing water and waited for the others to join me. One by one, we plopped into our tubes, and began drifting with the current.
The thick canopy of trees lining the seven-mile stretch of riverbank offered one breathtaking view after another. We started out floating separately, but because the current kept drifting us apart, we decided to tie our tubes together. That way we could talk while the gentle current carried us along at a steady pace, not too fast and not too slow.
It was a relaxing trip at first. But eventually we reached a section of whitewater rapids and began picking up speed. As we exited the rapids, the fast-moving water dumped our cluster of tubes into a circular current that looked like a mini whirlpool. At first, I didn’t think too much about it. I figured the flowing current would eventually grab hold and get us moving forward again.
That wasn’t the case. It didn’t take long to realize that we were stuck! Panic set in. I started paddling with all my might, but to no avail. We just kept floating in a circular pattern, around and around. I eventually realized the only way we were going to get unstuck was to collectively paddle with all of our might. And that’s just what we did. Working together, we kicked our feet and paddled with our arms, until we finally broke free and resumed our peaceful float downriver.
Sometimes that happens in life too, doesn’t it? We coast along life’s journey minding our own business and then bam! Something happens that we didn’t anticipate, and we’re thrust into a season of turbulence. A global pandemic, political unrest, sickness, job loss, strained relationships, financial hardship, death of a loved one… the list goes on. And because we didn’t see it coming, life quickly spirals out of control. Being at the mercy of an unexpected circumstance is a helpless feeling. Before long, panic sets in. We try to move forward, but conditions outside our control pull us back into the chaos. We feel stuck.
Can you relate?
Like it was with our river trip, when life dumps us into unexpected places, we have a choice. We can stay stuck, or band together with other believers who can help us fight against the current and break free.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Friend, you do not have to travel this life alone. We have healing groups through Eyes Wide Open, and we have one-on-one discipleship opportunities through Reaching New Heights. If you are interested in learning more about what we have to offer, go to www.livingintruthministries.com.
United, we can and will escape the pitfalls and whirlpools in this broken world.
Lord, please connect us with the right people at the right time. Direct us to strong believers who can help us navigate the twists and turns of life.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:1-2).
