The Next Good Step

June 2015               

                   It was early morning and I was sitting in the sailboat, watching the sun rise up over the horizon.  I saw the familiar sandy coast to my left, as we had been following the shoreline throughout the voyage.  It was comforting to know that there was always an opportunity to dock the sailboat and exit if I no longer wanted to continue this particular journey.  However, that was never a desire that entered my heart, and each day we set sail together as a team.

                  This experience on the sailboat was challenging because I had never sailed before, and had no idea what I was doing.  Luckily, one of my companions made haste to help me whenever I got into a dangerous situation and was quick to comfort me when I got hurt.  She’s really good at sailing, and also taught me how to move with the direction of the breeze.  She had an amazing way of setting the sails and surrendering to the wind.

                  This experience on the sailboat was also a joyful experience because I was moving toward a clear direction.  We had a compass and coordinates for the next good step, and all we had to do was sail there together.  While following the heading, my companions shared stories of their first sailboat experience, what it was like when they were wandering in the desert, and how terrified they were when they were sitting on the beach and invited to walk on the water.  Listening to their experiences made me excited for the journey ahead of me, and knowing that they were going to continue the journey with me gave me the strength and courage to choose to move forward.

As I looked further out onto the horizon, I noticed something that was not there before.  There was another boat in the water, a larger boat that also had tall, pointed white sails.

                  “There it is,” said my sailing mentor as she pointed toward the boat in the distance.  “Looks like it is time for the next good step.” 

                  I looked at the boat anchored several miles away.  “Why isn’t it getting closer?”  I noticed an unusual stillness in the air.  There was no longer a breeze to drive us any further.

                  “Oh, this is as far as we go in the sailboat,” my mentor answered.  “We will continue the journey with you though,” she added with a wink.

                  “But how do we get to the other boat?” I asked.

                  She answered, “You’ve got two feet, don’t ya?  Better start walking.”

                  I looked out at the morning water, smooth as glass.  It seemed tame enough for a nice stroll, however, I had no idea how deep this water could be, and I imagined it was pretty cold.  I remembered last time I walked on water, how I started to sink and was terrified that I would be stuck in the water forever.  Was I ready to take this walk to the next boat?  Was I ready to continue this walk on water?

                  I stood up and made my way to the edge of the boat.  I looked out at the boat in the distance, and my heart began beating quickly.  I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.  Then I felt a familiar squeeze on my hand.  Oh thank God!  Jesus is here!

                  I looked at Jesus standing next to me on the edge of our sailboat, and he nodded.  “Are you ready for this, Kara?”

                  I glanced out at the boat in the distance and then looked back at Jesus again.  “You’re walking with me, right?”

                  “Yes, Kara.  I am always with you.  Do you trust me?” Jesus asked that oh so familiar question.

                  “Completely!” I whispered.  The familiar melody sang through my mind, Oh I need you, Lord, I need you!  Every hour I need you!

                  “Alright then Kara!  Let’s make the next good step.”  Jesus held onto my hand tightly and together, we took our first step off the sailboat.