Into The Unknown

I set “sail” into the unknown this week. The photo is my last sighting of land for a while. 

We cast off our moorings as the sun slipped below the horizon, with the clouds lowering and the fog rolling in. All of these adding to the feeling of moving into the unknown.

 I am crossing the Atlantic from east to west with a small group on a medium size cruise ship. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to disconnect from my own old rhythm so I can find a new rhythm. 

The metaphors abound for what I aspire to here on the open seas. 

How easy it is to feel small where the water extends to every horizon. 

The absence of seagulls following us this far from shore enhances my sense of separation which is not to be mistaken for isolation. The group I am with prevents that. 

The open vistas are the same in every direction with the pale bule sky and a few small clouds and the deep blue ocean.

Personal silence in the vastness also reminds me of a cast away, unplugged and exposed to our maker. The wind and waves are constant, like the Holy Spirit.

The group I am with calls this a “bounded open space.”

Like the open spaces, there is freedom being outside “my” routine and “my” environment. I am moving through God’s creation, physically, emotionally, and spiritually as I open the Word, reading to listen, and listening to understand the heart of God. 

Jesus speaks to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. That is my prayer.

The unknown part for me is more about forgetting what lies behind and pressing on to what lies ahead. I know my overarching goal it to be in relationship with the living God so more may know Him. It is the specifics of how to flow with His plan in a new season.

Ultimately it is not about me. At the same time, I believe this time is a gift. I desire to fit into Abba’s most fruitful place and ways for me, a small part of the body of Christ.

For a few more days I will leave the driving to the captain of the ship, and our Lord. I am asking to jettison my old ways that have served their purpose. In exchange I am hopefully refitting and refining His ways in me.

So, into the unknown? 

Well, not completely.

I have the lavish promises of the love of the Lord and His enduring presence. I have been in similar situations before. When I surrender, rest, and accept change Abba is always faithful.

Not everyone is able to pull away this dramatically, but we can all schedule and guard smaller spaces and times with the Lord. 

Abba, I pray especially for all those who feel trapped in their routines and environments. Thank You for helping each of us to experience Your promises and Your presence in trials, as well as ways through, when we choose to look to You. Amen