I love the great outdoors. No, really! I have such a good time camping,
kayaking and SCUBA diving. I love it! But, you have to know a few things
before you go out and take on the 'wilderness' in these sports. Camping
without the proper equipment and forethought can really be a disaster.
You have to understand that you need certain things if you want to survive
out in the wild. When I was learning to SCUBA dive, they told me the first
rule of a successful dive is, "Never Stop Breathing". Now, that may seem
like a bit of common sense, but your first reaction to putting your head under
water is what? Hold your breath! So, that really goes against the grain of
all that you have been taught.
Recently, my wife and I have decided to increase our knowledge of kayaking.
Now, this comes very natural to her it seems, but for me, I have a lot to learn.
I am used to the nice, flat water in a lake or pond. Not the turbulence of the
white water runs. When we first started our lessons, I was ready to just jump
right in, and hit the rapids. Let me tell you, that doesn't work! Our first lesson,
I spent more time in the water than I did in the boat. After our second lesson,
I am getting a better idea of how things work.
Our spiritual life is just like that. We sometimes jump right in, and tell ourselves
to rely on what we have heard all our lives and just flow with it. We have to take
time to learn the tools and techniques necessary to being a 'successful Christian'.
In Matthew 9:13, Jesus told the people to "go and learn what this means". In
Matthew 11:29 He says, "Take my Yoke and learn of Me". In fact all through
His ministry, Jesus told us to LEARN of Him, His Father and to learn to gain
the understanding of what He was telling us. That tells us something. We need
to understand so that we can go out into the wilderness. Remember the Bereans?
They were called more noble, or fair-minded, because of their daily study of the
scriptures. Study, study, study. Making sure that when we get to the turbulent parts
of life, we are well prepared and fully equipped to take it and come out the other side,
safe from the dangers of this world.
I hope that you have a great and safe weekend! See you, Lord willing, Monday!
