July 8, 2008

FRIENDS ON A BOAT

            Okay, now this is hard.  Work all day, then errands, wash, exercise, shower, hair…now 500 words – pop out of me, because I feel I am spent.  But this is the enemy I am fighting.  The enemy that has whittled away at me so that the passion to write I once had seems to have disappeared.  It has not.  I will fight.

            The lake was like glass this morning.

            “Hi, Pastor Mike!”

            “Hi Anna, come on board,” he returned.

            The others from the office would be here shortly, and we’d shove off for the waters near China Island for breakfast and camaraderie.

            Brian arrived, then Kathy.  That was it, Dave couldn’t make it as he’d been called to Jury Duty.  Robin had a commitment at his son’s school.

             The last time we had this meal-and-a-snack-on-the-boat office get-together, the water had been choppy, the wind strong, and conversation strained over the noise of it all.  This day was clear and calm, with a slight breeze and warm weather.  How amazing to be able to take a break like this, only minutes away, and be back at work in an hour and a half. 

            For us, it was easy…Pastor Mike had prepared the breakfast and launched the boat.  We talked and ate and drank coffee and thoroughly enjoyed the morning.  Kathy, Carol, and I deciphered who had been hippies, soches, or otherwise in school.  We talked about pets, kids, and pranks.  We relaxed and watched the enormous white clouds in our ever-blue Big Bear sky.

            By the time we came back into the dock, the wind was starting to pick up, as it always does during the day.  One water skier had found the zone, though, on that glassy, early morning surface.  Someone was parasailing near Eagle Point, too.  It’s pleasant to think of everyone off on their own adventure so early in the day, and I’m sure each one of us was full of wonder at the beautiful morning and scenery.

            Alright then, as far as journaling, I feel like I’m writing in a diary or something.  I know the usefulness, I’m aware of the benefits of the discipline, and I’m so darn tired!  There is nothing in my schedule I can squeeze out or omit.  Gee, I guess I have to pray.  Lord, please give me strength and wisdom.  You gifted me to serve you -- gift me to worship you with my words, glorify you, and to share about you.  You initiated this, I’m certain.  I ask you to arrange every part of my day.  Let me not neglect my husband or my duties, and still keep on this task.  Give me your Holy Spirit to climb this mountain.  You are with me, you are leading me, there is no other way.

            Thank you, Lord, for pulling me through another day.  It is you…it is you.  My joy is in you, and there is nothing that can keep me from accomplishing what you give to do, in your power.  Help me redeem the time.