Same Storm, Different Boats
May 01, 2021Over the weekend I saw a report on the news about protesters at the state capital who want all businesses to reopen immediately. My first thought was that their group was NOT social distancing. I also quickly jumped to criticize their actions without thinking about why they may want to resume working. I watched interviews and realized that each person had their own reason for protesting. I recently saw this quote on social media, “same storm, different boats.” As I reflected on these words I felt convicted by my quick judgment of others’ actions. It is easy to believe that how we think and feel is the way that EVERYONE thinks and feels.
We can agree that we are in the middle of a crisis due to COVID-19. We are all experiencing something different in “our” boat as we navigate this storm. Some may think that this is NOT a pandemic. Some may think that the government is trying to control our lives. Some may think that the economy is going into a recession. Some may feel blessed with time to pause from the busyness of the world and reconnect with their spouse or children. For others, being quarantined with family may cause pain and stress because of broken relationships. Some may worry about how to pay bills in an uncertain economy. Some may live alone and feel isolated. Some may fear for the safety of loved ones as restrictions are lifted.
The point is that everyone is experiencing the SAME storm in a different way.
Our job is to be aware that each person is riding out the storm in the best way that THEY KNOW how. Each day presents new information and updates on the virus. Those updates can create different thoughts and feelings for each person. Some may feel that things are getting better. Some may look at the death rate and feel despair. As Christians, we are called to bring light into the darkness. St. Paul tells us in Colossians,
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And over all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
We are all in different boats, but experiencing the SAME storm.
We get to choose how we will navigate the waves alongside one other. The storm will end and when it does each person will have completed a different journey. Some boats will sail safely into the harbor while others may have crashed on the shore. Our job is to help others sail safely home. Like the beacon from the lighthouse, we have to be the light of Christ in the world where there is so much darkness and uncertainty. Our light may be what makes the difference in someone reaching the shore.
Here are some ways to navigate the storm in your boat.
1. Pray, pray, pray. Talk with God. Tell him all of your worries and concerns. Place them in his hands with the assurance that he works all things for our good.
2. Read the Bible. Allow the Word of God to fill your mind with peace, comfort and promises of his GREAT love.
3. Balance the negative with the positive. We can overload our minds with negativity as we watch the latest press conference, daily statistics and news. Find ways to fill your day with positive and encouraging messages by calling a friend or loved one, listening to music, reading or learning a new hobby. Look for the positive in each situation.
4. Be GRATEFUL. Thank God for every situation in your life..the good and the difficult. Ask him to allow each opportunity to be a lesson that helps you to grow in your faith.
5. Enjoy the sunshine. Go for a walk, work in your yard or simply sit and enjoy the beautiful springtime weather.
6. Look for the BEST in people. Make it a point to really SEE a person before judging their actions. When you find yourself getting ready to judge say this quick prayer, “Lord please bless ______________. Only you know what is in their heart. Please let ME be a light in their darkness.”
