We have become a family that has a love of kayaking, and so when time permits we will be on the water. This past weekend found four of us on the lake enjoying the first fruits of the autumn season. For my grandson, who is eleven, it was an adventure and a challenge.
When I was thirty-one my father suddenly died, and our family was deeply grieved. It was at this time that someone sent to my mother a poem that was called ‘Footprints in the Sand.’ She was very comforted by the symbolism of being carried by Jesus during a time that was so difficult to put one foot in front of another. All these many years later I was reminded of this poem while we were kayaking.
In our enthusiasm to be on the water we soon realized that we had traveled some distance with our grandson. This was his first time kayaking this year, and although his motivation kept us going further and further, at some point we realized that he was fatigued. As we headed back to shore it was obvious to us all that we had quite a bit of water to cover.
What happened next was a perfect picture to me of what the Father does for us. This grandson called across to his grandfather and said, “Grandpa can you pull me back?” Without hesitation his grandfather immediately complied and tied his kayak to his own. It was a beautiful image of relationship and love, and one that I will never forget.
Isaiah 46:4 NKJV Even to your old age, I am HE, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.