Fathers and Fishing

Early in the morning, we boarded the boat with all our necessary fishing paraphernalia in its place and plenty of snacks, lunch, and drinks in the cooler.  We slowly maneuvered our way downtown the canal, and out into the channel that led us into the open waters. Tim (our captain for the day, and my man for life) knew our waypoint and led us, and his father’s boat loaded with friends and family, to the depths of the gulf.
Tim knew his destination was a sure thing.  He had “been there done that” and was confident in the success we were going to have.
We trusted Tim’s knowledge and wisdom.  Sure enough, success was accomplished on our trip.
He knew the limit of the species of fish we were desiring to catch.  Our captain informed and reminded each person on the boat of those limits.  He also informed us of the dangers of us exceeding our limit.
When the sun would beat down on us and the breeze was minimal, taking a break from fishing and jumping into the crystal clear blue water was refreshing and needed.
Our day was an absolute success, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.

This true life scenario reminded me of our walk with Christ.
God knows the waypoint to each of our lives.  When we allow him to be our Captain, and take the helm,  there will be success. God will lead us down the right path.
If I would have taken command of the helm on our boat, I would probably have landed us in a sandy bottom area of the ocean and we would not have caught the fish we did.
How many times do you try to take the wheel of life from God and navigate through life on your own?  How’s that working for you? Okay, you may have a fun ride for a while, but your final destination won’t be so solid and sure, it will be like building on sinking sand, and your outcome won’t be as favorable as it could be if you would have just let God guide and lead you.
Just like Tim had prepared for our day on the water, knew our destination for a favorable outcome, and cautioned us of any regulations…God does the same.  He has prepared the way for us. That way is through Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. His word, the Bible, is our Life’s Instruction Book. We need to open it and read it and trust it in order for us to know the regulations in our life.
Yes, there will be hot/difficult times along the way, but I want to encourage you to jump in to God’s love, arms, and word for a refreshing time.
We trusted Tim to be our guiding captain.  Won’t you put your trust in Christ to be the Captain of your life?
Today is Father’s Day.  I am beyond grateful for the father Tim is to our children.  He is firm, loving, fun, and dedicated. He had a wonderful example in life, earthly and spiritually.  
God is The Ultimate Parent.  I pray that you will look to our Heavenly Father for guidance, assuredness, love, and even a fun time.  He is dedicated to you…unconditionally.
Happy Father’s Day to all you dads.
“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will. Make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”  Isaiah 58:11
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock…And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand…” Matthew 7:24-27
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly place,” Ephesians 1:3

Many blessings to you and yours,

Stephanie
(On a side note…I spent the day with Tim, Wayne, Jeff, Lane, and Robert…these men are wonderful examples of how a dad should be.)