Kayaking in the Allegheny River is one of the most beautiful pastimes that I have learned to appreciate over the years. At low levels it can be breathtaking to slowly paddle these waters past the small islands, inlets and steep pine-covered embankments formed by the mountains and carved by the river. It is a majestic sight that is accented only by the powerful splendor of bald eagles, stoic herons and the trickling sound of water rolling over a shallow rock-bed. But when this river goes well-beyond normal levels it can be treacherous and riddled with overhanging limbs, stringers and floating debris while just below the surface underwater hazards, jagged rocks and hidden water patterns. In these situations skilled kayakers understand the importance of keeping the nose of the craft facing down stream at all times because getting side-ways would only elevate the danger with serious potential for calamity.
There are things in life that we can learn from these rough waters. We all experience times in life where the evidence of danger is clear (like limbs and logs) and in this case you need to immediately change your course. But we also face hidden dangers (like rocks, under-toe and dead-heads) that are not as easily spotted but can overturn, snag and pull you under. Stay alert by putting your trust in the Lord, so that you can navigate each potential danger with strength, skill and accuracy until reaching safety at the shoreline. Any other approach would leave you unprepared and complacent, thinking that you alone can take on the challenges of this world by lifting your paddle and letting the river simply carry you to and fro in any direction.
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6