Chasing Unicorns or Settling in with Serenity
Recently, a friend posted pictures on Facebook from their stopover at a serene, deserted beach in the Caribbean. The images were breathtaking, with crystal blue water, calm seas, and full sunshine, evoking such peacefulness that I could imagine myself there with my toes in the sand. I love having a glimpse into their lives as they live and travel on their sailboat. There is nothing as freeing as standing at the bow of a sailboat, seeing the wind fill the sails, carrying you along on calm blue waters, the breeze through your hair, sun on your cheeks, keeping pace with the birds. I love it!
And I miss it.
It may seem silly to say. Boating has never been a big part of my life, but I have many fond memories filled with joy: as a child with my grandparents, on my honeymoon, on our family summer vacations, and many others.
Since developing a balance disorder, with days ranging from feeling like I’m walking on a waterbed to feeling like I’m fighting my way through a funhouse wheel, I have avoided activities like boating. Some days I think, “I might as well try it,” but the memories of a time when all I could do was lie on the floor, praying to feel solid ground or, on good days, when I needed to have one hand on the wall to walk down a busy high school hallway, say “not yet.”
As I scrolled through the remaining images, the last was of a group of people arriving, presumably from a chartered yacht nearby. They were arriving with lots of toys, setting up for fun, but I was struck by the contrast of their massive unicorn floatie against the backdrop of such serenity.
Do not get me wrong, I love a good floatie! They can be a blast! But today, that metaphorical contrast has me reflecting.
How many times have I chased after the unicorn floatie when the perfection of a peaceful coastline was beckoning?
More than I can count! As I am adjusting to this balance disorder, God has been showing me what it means to be content in every circumstance. Paul, who was suffering in prison, conveyed this when he wrote to the church at Philippi:
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11–13)
I am content. That does not mean I want my circumstances to remain the same. I am so ready to be on the bow of that sailboat! It means that I trust and believe in the strength of God. I know that He will sustain me.
The song “Jireh” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music eloquently explains it: “I will be content in every circumstance.” “I’m already loved, I’m already chosen, I know who I am, I know what You’ve spoken, I’m already loved, More than I could imagine, And that is enough.”
