On Memorial Day weekend my family and I decided to go on a camping trip. We drove about 3 hours away to mid-Michigan to have a relaxing weekend of fishing, swimming, and to semi enjoy the outdoors!! I say semi because the cabin we were in had electricity, running water, cable TV, all kitchen appliances and a washer/dryer unit!!
Just getting away from the normal hustle and bustle to a nice quiet time was good in itself. We stayed in the city of Lake, Michigan on Cripple Lake. We roasted marshmallows, fished, and played games, and just “recharged” the entire time. The third day in we decided to get some paddle boats and go out on the water.

This would give us a chance to enjoy the lake while taking in all of nature’s beauty. The paddle boat was supposed to fit four but the way it was made would only work for two. So instead of all of us piling in there for safety’s sake my older daughter and I mounted the boat for our water excursion. As we launched out to sea we paddled slowly into the water, watching other boats, jet skis and pontoon boats go by. Being the slowest thing out there we had to be very careful and stay out of their way! Our plan was to paddle the boat across the lake all the way to our cabin.

We began to paddle away, (the paddle boat is made like a bicycle with two sets of petals) and as we are going boats are passing us by, rocking our little ship. Along with the speed boats the water current grew stronger as we went further out, suddenly our plan of crossing the lake did not seem so good! Being the captain of the ship I decided to make a quick u-turn! As we began to turn more boats are going by, the water is getting stronger and this tiny ship was getting tossed (Gilligan’s Island theme, lol) As we ferociously pedaled trying our hardest to make it back to the shallow end before another current came our way, out of nowhere we suddenly heard a POP! Then a CLANG, our petal was broken!! We’re in the lake with no power just floating along with a strong current and speed boats passing by us.

My mind began to race on what to do and how we were to get out of this situation. Then in my mind negative thoughts began to flood in saying “What if you die”, “What if you all don’t make it” For a minute fear gripped my heart! It was a pain in your stomach type of feeling,sweating and anxiety was really trying to take me over. Then I paused…stopped thinking…, prayed to God saying “I’m under the shadow of the Almighty, no hurt, harm, or danger will come to me, Jesus loves us, God loves us” I had to talk to myself to calm myself down. Once I started doing that I able to think clearer and during that time we floated closer to a person on a jet ski who was able to get us closer to shore and repair the chain on the paddle boat. Once we got back to the shop, I got that refund with the quickness!

The point of this story is how God is always there for us to calm and reassure us during times of distress. I believe if I would have panicked out there that would have lead my daughter to do the same and we could have possibly flipped and drowned in that lake. Trusting in God and His word is what got us through and it’s what will get you through the numerous storms of life. Once you rely on him you will notice what’s around you BUT you will have a CONFIDENCE in God where you can GET AWAY from the things that hold you back and move towards your destiny! The storms and waves are only a distraction, keep the focus on Christ! God Bless you and feel free to comment or leave other remarks……….Blessings to you!

JayMay