I can still feel the first time I sailed on a Hobe-16. It was in Monterey Bay on a slightly overcast day with winds pushing over 15 knots. Rem wanted to stretch my borders, give me the time of my life, and show my how much fun (thrills) a Hobe could be.
Launching a Hobe for the first time through six to eight tool waves was exciting especially as I knew the sea was really controlling our efforts. As we turned our sails into the wind my apprehension evaporated! This was awesome! Incredible, and beyond comprehension at the same time!
For a brief moment in time I thought I knew the experience of sailing a Hobe. Then Rem told me to “clip-in”. Attaching my self to the thin wire running up o the top of the mast wasn’t a problem; trusting that it would hold me as we skimmed over the water was! The early euphoria left during the first slide down through a deep swell and vanished as we broke through the next. Any illusion of self-control was long gone as the edge of the catamaran lifted off the water. Gliding was amazing however the thought of risking my life was too much! I knew the warnings about gambling. In know that you “Don’t gamble on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, hocking your house against a lucky chance. The time will come when you have to pay up; you’ll be left with nothing but the shirt on your back.” (Proverbs 22.25, 26)
I am not so sure that my trust in God is much different. Far too often I think I know what it is to be God’s son. I am euphoric when things work however when reality bites I only see how risky things are! Trusting God appears to be like hanging on a thread.
Since Monterey I have learned to sail and trust the equipment. I have also experienced God’s enduring and unlimited mercy, grace, and unconditional acceptance. This experience and more is open to all; you too!
