Drifting with God...

One of my favorite things to do when I was in high school was to take our little speed boat and a good book and travel to the far side of Crab Orchard Lake in Southern Illinois very early in the morning (before 8:00). I loved seeing the fishermen returning with their morning catch as I journeyed to the forbidden-to-skiers-inlets.

Turning off the motor I let the boat drift. Enjoying the purple, blue, and pink hues of the morning sky while letting the waves rock the little boat side to side often lulled me into a peaceful rest.

Once while drifting, I spotted an odd shape in the water: two large horns protruded from the surface and moved steadily toward the shore. Paddling closer, I could not believe my eyes as I came along side a deer swimming from one island to another. To my dismay she began to panic and swim in circles. Not wanting her to drown, I quickly started up the motor and sped away.

Drifting is a pleasant state of mind sometimes, isn't it? You can discover new ideas or sights while just drifting. Have you ever let your mind just drift off in some pleasant memory or day dream? I had special day dreams as a child I used when bored in school or even church. Time seems so different when I can drift.

On the other hand, as I read Revelation 13 this morning, I realized it was time to check my drifting. You see, drifting can also be dangerous.

If I fell asleep on the lake while drifting, I could run the little blue speed boat onto sand bars, rocks, sunken tree logs, and end up ruining the engine's propeller.

Too many times I had witnessed my Dad having to paddle his pontoon boat all the way across the lake as a result of a sheered pin or lost propeller. I tried my best to avoid that same problem.

So while drifting is nice, it can not go on for long, can it? Danger can result from being lulled into sleep while drifting.

Spiritually it is the same. When times are great seem to be the times we drift the most. These are the times when everyone is well. No financial crisis occurs. Family members are compliant with each other.

So we enjoy the lack of conflict or trouble and sometimes, drift.

Revelation warns us to be studious, to be diligent, to watch for imitators of Jesus' love and false prophets. We are not to let ourselves drift from daily prayer and reading God's Word and seeking His will...even in the pleasant moments of life.

Perhaps especially in those pleasant moments of life we should seek Jesus all the more so we are not unprepared, so we can see and adjust for the rocks, the hidden dangers, and the conflicts that eventually come with this life.

Yes, it is OK to enjoy these quiet times of life, the drifting, but not without God by our side, not without God conversing in our hearts, not without God enjoying the time with us. Don't you know He wants to enjoy drifting with us and not just be called upon in times of trouble? Just as I want my daughter to enjoy spending fun time with me and not just call upon me when she needs money or help with homework, God wants to smile with us as we enjoy His creation.

I hope you are enjoying this time of life...
drifting with God.

For His Glory,
Gretchen