A Seasick, Nautical Soul
Published Sep 5, 2023
By Michele Olson
Revelation 22: 1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (NIV)
Standing on the shore, wind on my face, the beauty of the incoming boat called to me with the promise of a glorious ride. There was only one problem. I get seasick on boats! That means no sailing, cruising, or pleasure boating, even though the abundance of large bodies of water surrounds me in the Great Lakes region.
Touring a large Navy barge anchored to a dock still sent me running for the restroom. I’ve often asked the Lord why I have such a nautical soul but a landlubber brain and inner-ear system. Can you relate? Even if you don’t get seasick, is there something you don’t do because of physical or emotional barriers you can’t change? The Good News tells us living here is not the whole story; there is much more to come.
Utilizing medicine and herbal supplements made it possible for me to ferry to some beautiful places, including across the Straits of the Bosporus in Turkey before they had a bridge, The USS Badger, across Lake Michigan from Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington, Michigan, and the ferries to Mackinac and Washington Islands. Each trip starts with a prayer for endurance and calm waters.
For all my fellow landlubbers who deal with motion sickness, we have the promise of Heaven, where there will be no more seas of the type that terrified people by destroying ships and drowning. (Rev 21:1) Instead, there will be rivers and a crystal sea of glass. (Rev. 4:6) What they will be like is a mystery, but they must be a part of our new life since Scripture includes them. Perhaps there will be heavenly boat adventures with our beautiful Savior! What a sweet thought.
Faith Step: Reflect on the limitless possibilities that await you in the New Heaven and New Earth, worshipping and fellowshipping with our precious Lord. May you rise up in hope today and realize the best is yet to come!
