Remain Afloat

11 Sep

“Ships don’t sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.”  ~ Unknown

I have a particularly gifted and loving parishioner going through some rather tough times right now.  The past couple of days on Facebook, this person has been posting several quotes designed to give people peace and hope.  Those are the two things that we most often look to gain when we feel as if we are being tossed about on an angry sea.  Peace and hope.  We can never find them alone.  They can only be found in the Lord.

Too often, we focus on the turbulence around us, just as St. Peter did when Jesus invited him to step out of the boat.  Seeing the angry waves and feeling the battering winds, Peter took his eyes off of the Lord and began to sink.  Jesus reached out His hand, grasped Peter’s firmly, and righted him again on the wavy waters.  He did that for Peter and He will do that for us as well.  All we need to do is keep our eyes fixed on Him.

The reason for sharing this quote today is two-fold.  First of all, I am doing it because I know the person who shared the quote on Facebook is also on the distribution list for the Daily Reflections.  I want her to know that she is not alone and that I am asking everyone who receives this reflection to keep her and her family in their prayers.  The second reason I am doing this is because we will all be there one time or another in our lives.  It is crucial to remember that God is there for us not only in His Almighty love but also in the love of those around us.

We were in very “turbulent seas” eighteen years ago on September 11, 2001.  Our world came crashing down on us as the Twin Towers fell, the Pentagon was attacked, and the White House was targeted.  What kept us going was our belief in one another and in our convictions.  We found a way to remain strong.  We turned not only to one another but also to God.  Attendance in church services for all faiths increased those following months and believers found many ways to care for one another.

Never be afraid to seek the compassionate heart and listening ear of another.  When we do so, we find God whispering in our ears and soothing our hearts.

FAITH ACTION:  If you are in turbulent times in your life, let Christ’s love steer you clear.  Never be afraid to ask Him for help.