Kayak is a palindrome. Just thought I’d share that fun fact.
A few weeks ago, I went kayaking with my adventurous sister on a quiet lake. The water was calm, the dark clouds above us were slowly giving way to peaceful ones, and we had this part of the lake to ourselves for a short while.
This was my first time out on a kayak, which is a small narrow watercraft that looks like a canoe. Steering is made possible by a double- bladed paddle.
To move forward, you immerse one blade into the water on one side of the kayak near your toes and pull the blade back toward your hip. This propels the kayak forward.
Then, you lower the opposite blade on the other side and repeat. Once you get a rhythm down, you’re good to go.
If you want the kayak to propel to the LEFT, you submerge the RIGHT paddle and keep paddling on the right side of the kayak. You are essentially pulling that water away on that side to move in the opposite direction.
It was such a relaxing experience, just taking the grandeur of God’s creation, the stillness of the moment, and the sweet company.
I also got to thinking how that little kayak can teach me about life’s purpose.
We are all BORN with a purpose. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;…”
That means the purpose is already planted inside you BEFORE YOU WERE BORN.
Sorry, promise I’m not screaming. I’m excited.
Why is it that we go through life and we feel like we aren’t moving in the direction of the purpose that was given to use BEFORE BIRTH?
It’s there inside…it’s inherent.
Instead, it feels like we’re sitting still without a purpose or pushing in what seems like the wrong direction.
Look at Joseph: Destined for a palace, he finds himself in a pit. Paddling in the wrong direction?
Ruth: In ancestral line of a King, she finds herself in a field, picking up wheat. Wrong move?
David: Destined for a throne…and anointed, he finds himself alone with a bunch of sheep. Mistake?
While none of them had a straight shot to their destiny, they kept their eyes fixed on God through the difficulties they faced.
Sometimes, we find ourselves on an unusual path to the future we imagined, but when we KNOW we are fulfilling the purpose that burns inside, then we KNOW that God is moving us in the right direction.
So even if it doesn’t make sense at the time, God makes it all work out in the end.
Paddle to the left and I’ll move to the right.
Paddle to the right and I’ll move to the left.
“…But I’ll keep my eyes on you, Lord. I don’t understand it completely, but I will trust that you are guiding me.”
Anyone could’ve said that prayer: Joseph in a prison, Ruth in a field, David in a pasture, or YOU…in your current situation.
Someone lied and said you don’t have a purpose? You do. There’s proof.
Your purpose isn’t clear? Ask God. Ask your friends to help you pray. God will tell you. There’s a reason you’re here.
Not sure how to fulfill it? Ask God for open doors…..and be ready. Get that life jacket on and start paddling.
You’re in for an exciting adventure. Just ask Joseph, Ruth, or David.
Life is about to take you to the next level (another palindrome- fun fact).
~Elizabeth (Betsy)
