Psalm 16:11 – You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (ESV)

Recently, visiting a cherished friend in the north, I was talked into going for a paddle in their frontiersman canoe. A solid thing, a comfortable thing, I finesse my way into the forward seat and manage to shove us off the pebbly beach. My most dreaded challenge joyfully accomplished, I smile, as I usually tend to be unwieldy around watercraft. Sitting at the front, my job is simple: listen to the instructions of my experienced leader and do what I am told. My companion is easy to trust. This is her lake, her shoreline. She is stronger than I, fit for this task, a seasoned canoeist. I dip the paddle from side to side and stop when directed. As we slide across the smooth, dark water, I experience what I always do on the water: a thrill at seeing life from a new perspective. Buoyant, the canoe skirts along the shore and my friend points out the landmarks of beauty familiar to her. All is new to me.

Such is my life. Years ago, I chose to get into a boat and let Christ be my navigator. He sees ahead, marks my course, and whispers from behind, always steering me in the right direction. My job is simple: let Him be the guide. I need only to move when told to, to follow His lead. And when I do, when I surrender to His voice, I live out the joys that He has marked for me, and I see places and situations that delight and never cease to provide opportunities for growth. For He is good — only good — and today, He provided for me a tranquil excursion in a seasoned canoe on a most pristine lake with a lifelong friend.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for the joy of knowing You and hearing Your voice. How wonderful to see Your fingerprints on every part of our days. Help us, Lord, to obey You, to stay on course as You whisper in our ears, and to be mindful of and thankful for all You do for us. We love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Michele Debau <makrissak@hotmail.com>
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
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