Like two sparrows in a hurricane
Trying to find their way
With a head full of dreams
And faith that can move anything
They’ve heard it’s all uphill
But all they know is how they feel
The world says they’ll never make it
Love says they will
Tanya Tucker
Saturday came with warm rays of glistening sunshine. It was as if there was a note attached to the day that read, “I made this day especially for the Howard’s.” It was a beautiful morning to head out on an adventure. A day of relaxation was long overdue for Chuck and me. The girls were spending the day with some dear friends whom we often trade off babysitting duties. We knew they were in capable hands as we headed off for a day of kayaking down the river not too far from our home.
Since it was our first time kayaking, we decided to rent a double kayak so as not to get lost from one another. No one mentioned that a double kayak was more problematic to steer than a single.
Not a cloud in the sky. The warmth of the summer air wrapped around us with its sticky humidity. I am a typical southerner who enjoys all aspects of the deep south, including the humidity. The birds hummed right along with me as we gently followed the current down the river. The low-lying trees were dangling their leaves, trying to touch their limbs in the cool stream, and we deliciously relaxed watching the ripples slowly part with each wave of our momentum.
The river was quiet, and it was a leisurely float for the most part. But as rivers do, surprises awaited us. Rougher rapids were just ahead, behind the river’s bend.
Trying to steer an oversized kayak was challenging! Especially since we had no prior experience. A few times, we had found ourselves crossing the path of other travelers. We offered a brief, “Excuse us,” as we settled backward among the reeds. We both would use our ignorance to begin paddling out of the reeds, thus spinning us in circles.
Learning to navigate a double kayak takes some doing, Chuck wanted to use his strength alone, and I wanted to bark commands from my perch in the front. Chuck respectfully ignored me from the rear, and I made witty comments under my breath (harmless on this glorious day).
We had just finished a long stretch of calming water and easy maneuvering when we saw the crowd gathering up ahead. Several kayakers were taking a detour in the river. We were unsure why they would detour from the main river, so we kept straight. Continuing our progress, we noticed a lot of commotion along the banks, people pointing and waving their hands fiercely. I gave them a friendly wave before I realized their warning. As we drew closer, we could hear the people shouting, “Cut hard right!” but it was too late. The water’s current had different plans for us. Straight ahead was a gigantic tree that had fallen halfway across the river, and we pulled into it with no way of escape except underneath. We now understood the detouring of fellow travelers.
I started screaming, “Chuck! Stop it!” Chuck tried to hold the kayak to the river’s shallow bottom, but it was no use. Our kayak was sucked underneath as we approached the tree, thus taking us with it. I flattened out like a pancake and tried to hang on inside the kayak. Chuck grabbed around the tree trunk to keep us from being sucked under, but to no avail. We capsized, losing everything, including the kayak.
The crowd was roaring. We were quite a sight! Thankfully, our kayak and belongings were rescued and returned. The only damage was to our pride. Deciding to do our own thing in a double-seated kayak found us drinking from the bottom of the river. While visiting with the fish, a thought occurred to me, “This is precisely what we do in marriage.”
It is in doing our own thing with little or no guidance that causes our marriages to capsize.
After our cold refreshing swim, we climbed back in our kayak and briefly discussed why I was right, and Chuck was wrong—again, putting us in circles. It would seem we would learn what took us down in the first place, but instead, it was a fault-finding mission.
It wasn’t until we took the time to listen to what each other had to say that we saw valid points coming from both ends of the kayak.
Chuck taught me how to aid in his steering without trying to take control, and I explained the need for him to heed my warnings for what lies ahead.
God placed the man to be head of the woman. His Biblically given role is to love, provide, and lead (steer). My role is to help, manage, and love. My strength is no match for what Chuck is capable of handling as we navigate the rough waters. By the same token, God gave the woman a keen sense of discretion and forethought. I can see danger approaching in the calm waters. God handcrafted this into every wife and mother.
When Chuck and I managed the kayak the intended way, it was impossible to tell us apart from seasoned kayakers.
The lesson learned became a treasured story to share, and yet still, next time, for sport only, I think we will just get our own kayak.
Welcome Home
“Many waters cannot quench love; neither can floods drown it.” Song of Solomon 8:7
Don’t Forget to Purchase Your Copy of HOME SWEET HOME – Available now on AMAZON!
SUBSCRIBE, LIKE and FOLLOW BELOW!
