I don’t know much about Will. He’s a black gelding horse. I don’t know his breed or his age. I don’t know anything about his past except that he was rescued from a kill pen. He was skin and bones and now looks fat, sassy and beautiful. For the next three months, I am leasing him as we prepare for horse ownership.
Will has been a bit aloof and tough one to catch. The other day, it took over an hour to catch him, even while being lured by food! History has taught Will some lessons. Somewhere along the way, he learned that not everyone could be trusted. Obviously, he had a master along the way that didn’t love him the way he needed to be love.
Sometimes, humans can be a lot like Will when it comes to how we relate to God. Some of us prefer to keep our distance. Others may not believe or trust in God. Others grew up in church, but couldn’t wait to get free from the legalism and guilt. Many have viewed God through the lens of over-zealous, judgmental believers and can’t get away fast enough.
God is and will always be a good Father. He is the real deal and truly wants a relationship with every human being. He loves us so much, more than any human being can love. He wants us to want Him, all the time, not when we get in a pinch or hungry for something. He communicates clearly through His Word, how we come into relationship with Him. (John 3:16) We can act so much like Will….just running to and fro, looking for some other way, avoiding the very One who loves us and wants the very best for us.
I can’t imagine life without God. His love is the real deal. I’ve had times in my life where I wanted to run from Him, but learned quickly that it wasn’t a good idea. I’m so thankful I can trust Him, no matter what comes my way. To think He wants a relationship with all of us is beyond amazing! He is God. We are not.
Stop running. Ask God to show you more about who He is. If you ask, He will show you.
If you have a moment today, check out this song today by Chris Tomlin.(Good Good Father):
I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you’re pleased
And that I’m never alone.
You’re a good good father
It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are
And I’m loved by you.
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, its who I am
I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only you provide
Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word
You’re a good, good father…. (continued)
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, September 25, 2017
Monday, September 18, 2017
Harvey Changed Everything
Little did I know what was in store in Houston. I had watched the news about Harvey. I had seen the pictures. I had heard the stories of so many flooded homes. But, it was being there that really touched my heart.
These folks have all sorts of needs. Financial needs. Finding a new home. Patience with FEMA. Wisdom for what's next. Clothes to wear. A car to rent. Food for the next meal. We listened to gut-wrenching stories that broke us.
How Josh and I wished we could provide an answer to the heartaches we heard. Obviously, we couldn't. But, what we could do is love, serve and care for those that we met. We could listen. We could pray. And everyone wanted prayer.
So often in the workplace we try to appear strong and together. We hide what we really feel behind a great appearance. We strive to appear in control. Right?
Not in Houston. Sometimes, things happen that change everything. Harvey changed everything. Harvey reminded me that everyone has spiritual, physical and emotional needs that sooner or later that bubble to the surface. Harvey reminded me that everything changes when we can't control our environment. Harvey reminded me that we're always in need of God, not just when things get tough. Harvey reminded me that you can't always make sense of God's ways, but you can trust His heart.
Today, I encourage you to run to the God who longs to be in relationship with you. He catches every care you cast in His direction. He longs to offload every burden that tears your heart apart. God welcomes every worry you rotate over and over in your mind. God knows your needs better than anyone else on the face of this earth. Whether you're in crises or semi-crises mode or no-crises, God longs for you to run to Him. Stop trying to be self-sufficient and in control. Someday it just won't be enough.
In the midst of Houston's need, there is a terribly beautiful thing going on there. There is more love, tenderness, giving, mercy, and grace being demonstrated like nothing I've seen before. People are loving people here in Houston, irregardless of race, politics, sexuality or faith. In the midst of great need, there is an abundance of love. Harvey changed everything. How will it change you?
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need." Philippians 4:6
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
(Josh Heaston, Christian Mission Director with the Indianapolis YMCA and Nancy visited the YMCA of Greater Houston from September 10-14, 2017)
These folks have all sorts of needs. Financial needs. Finding a new home. Patience with FEMA. Wisdom for what's next. Clothes to wear. A car to rent. Food for the next meal. We listened to gut-wrenching stories that broke us.
How Josh and I wished we could provide an answer to the heartaches we heard. Obviously, we couldn't. But, what we could do is love, serve and care for those that we met. We could listen. We could pray. And everyone wanted prayer.
So often in the workplace we try to appear strong and together. We hide what we really feel behind a great appearance. We strive to appear in control. Right?
Not in Houston. Sometimes, things happen that change everything. Harvey changed everything. Harvey reminded me that everyone has spiritual, physical and emotional needs that sooner or later that bubble to the surface. Harvey reminded me that everything changes when we can't control our environment. Harvey reminded me that we're always in need of God, not just when things get tough. Harvey reminded me that you can't always make sense of God's ways, but you can trust His heart.
Today, I encourage you to run to the God who longs to be in relationship with you. He catches every care you cast in His direction. He longs to offload every burden that tears your heart apart. God welcomes every worry you rotate over and over in your mind. God knows your needs better than anyone else on the face of this earth. Whether you're in crises or semi-crises mode or no-crises, God longs for you to run to Him. Stop trying to be self-sufficient and in control. Someday it just won't be enough.
In the midst of Houston's need, there is a terribly beautiful thing going on there. There is more love, tenderness, giving, mercy, and grace being demonstrated like nothing I've seen before. People are loving people here in Houston, irregardless of race, politics, sexuality or faith. In the midst of great need, there is an abundance of love. Harvey changed everything. How will it change you?
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need." Philippians 4:6
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
(Josh Heaston, Christian Mission Director with the Indianapolis YMCA and Nancy visited the YMCA of Greater Houston from September 10-14, 2017)
Thursday, September 14, 2017
When I Am Afraid.....
As we wake up to another anniversary of September 11, it’s hard not to be distracted by all that’s going on in our country. I’m drawn to this powerful verse:
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise-In God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4
When King David spoke these words, he was a prisoner of Philistines in Gath. A prisoner. Life wasn’t easy by any means. Yet, he knew that when fear gripped his heart, he HAD to place his full trust in God. And so do we.
Father in Heaven, Thank you that we can trust you today with all that’s going on in our world. This day and even the hurricanes have not taken you by surprise. You are present and available to all people. You hear our cries for help. You know so well our broken hearts. You are present in our fears and desire to calm our hearts in times of devastation and tragedy.
For those who have lost loved ones throughout these past few weeks, we ask God, for your grace and mercy to comfort each and every family and friend member affected. There are no words, Lord. You tell us that you are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) We believe that today.
For those who have lost property and personal items, Lord fill each heart with hope and peace. Remind us that stuff can be replaced; lives cannot. Your word tells us “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3) Be our perfect peace as we watch all that’s going on.
Father, may your perfect love calm our fears, deepen our trust and give us hope for the future. Allow us to be the hands and feet of Jesus by loving well, serving wholeheartedly, giving extravagantly and praying fervently. Thank you that we can come to you in these tumultuous times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I don’t know what this day holds. You don’t either. But, I do know my God. He can be our refuge and our fortress in times of need. Be assured that He is with you, (and your friends and family members) in whatever you facing. When you are afraid, will you place your trust in Him?
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise-In God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4
When King David spoke these words, he was a prisoner of Philistines in Gath. A prisoner. Life wasn’t easy by any means. Yet, he knew that when fear gripped his heart, he HAD to place his full trust in God. And so do we.
Father in Heaven, Thank you that we can trust you today with all that’s going on in our world. This day and even the hurricanes have not taken you by surprise. You are present and available to all people. You hear our cries for help. You know so well our broken hearts. You are present in our fears and desire to calm our hearts in times of devastation and tragedy.
For those who have lost loved ones throughout these past few weeks, we ask God, for your grace and mercy to comfort each and every family and friend member affected. There are no words, Lord. You tell us that you are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) We believe that today.
For those who have lost property and personal items, Lord fill each heart with hope and peace. Remind us that stuff can be replaced; lives cannot. Your word tells us “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3) Be our perfect peace as we watch all that’s going on.
Father, may your perfect love calm our fears, deepen our trust and give us hope for the future. Allow us to be the hands and feet of Jesus by loving well, serving wholeheartedly, giving extravagantly and praying fervently. Thank you that we can come to you in these tumultuous times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I don’t know what this day holds. You don’t either. But, I do know my God. He can be our refuge and our fortress in times of need. Be assured that He is with you, (and your friends and family members) in whatever you facing. When you are afraid, will you place your trust in Him?
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Stuff
Do you remember the old movie, The Jerk? Steve Martin’s great line: “And I don’t need any of this stuff. I don’t need the ashtray……paddle game…. remote control…..matches…..lamp." It was funny in the movie, because the movie wasn’t real. But, the fact is, losing stuff isn’t fun. It stinks.
Stuff. There’s been a lot of stuff lost this past week. I’ve heard people say “I’ve lost everything…” way too many times this past week. Hurricane Harvey has affected a lot of people’s stuff. Stuff gone forever.
We all have stuff that means something to us. Pictures. Treasures. Antiques. Electronics. Cars. Clothes. Gifts. Special memories. Precious memories and items drowned in Harvey’s aftermath. I doubt any of us can understand unless it happens to us.
Harvey’s devastation has broken the hearts of people all over the world. There are no words. But, over and over, we’ve seen beautiful pictures of what really matters. It’s not fancy cars or treasured heirlooms or even precious family pictures. It’s human lives. People matter. People matter to people and people matter to God. Max Lucado writes, “As you’ve listened to evacuees and survivors, have you noticed their words? No one laments a lost plasma television or submerged SUV. No one runs through the streets yelling, ‘My cordless drill is missing’ or ‘My golf clubs have washed away.’ If they mourn, it is for people lost. If they rejoice, it is for people found.”
Harvey has affected a lot of people in Southeast Texas. How has Harvey affected you? For me, I want to look into the eyes of fellow human beings with more love and compassion. I want to care more about people and less about my stuff. I want to hold my stuff loosely knowing it could be gone tomorrow. I want to roll up my sleeves and serve those who are suffering.
So, here’s to holding our stuff loosely, loving freely and serving joyfully! May God use you to encourage, inspire and give hope to all those who are suffering this week.
“But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Stuff. There’s been a lot of stuff lost this past week. I’ve heard people say “I’ve lost everything…” way too many times this past week. Hurricane Harvey has affected a lot of people’s stuff. Stuff gone forever.
We all have stuff that means something to us. Pictures. Treasures. Antiques. Electronics. Cars. Clothes. Gifts. Special memories. Precious memories and items drowned in Harvey’s aftermath. I doubt any of us can understand unless it happens to us.
Harvey’s devastation has broken the hearts of people all over the world. There are no words. But, over and over, we’ve seen beautiful pictures of what really matters. It’s not fancy cars or treasured heirlooms or even precious family pictures. It’s human lives. People matter. People matter to people and people matter to God. Max Lucado writes, “As you’ve listened to evacuees and survivors, have you noticed their words? No one laments a lost plasma television or submerged SUV. No one runs through the streets yelling, ‘My cordless drill is missing’ or ‘My golf clubs have washed away.’ If they mourn, it is for people lost. If they rejoice, it is for people found.”
Harvey has affected a lot of people in Southeast Texas. How has Harvey affected you? For me, I want to look into the eyes of fellow human beings with more love and compassion. I want to care more about people and less about my stuff. I want to hold my stuff loosely knowing it could be gone tomorrow. I want to roll up my sleeves and serve those who are suffering.
So, here’s to holding our stuff loosely, loving freely and serving joyfully! May God use you to encourage, inspire and give hope to all those who are suffering this week.
“But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Storm Stories
Watching the Texas weather news this past weekend was enough to put a bit of fear and trepidation in me. Between the predicted wind gusts, rain predictions, tornado potential and flooding concerns- Harvey became a force to be reckoned with. The pictures of what we see are devastating! I'm sorry for anyone named Harvey. You do not deserve this.
With each passing hour, we inch closer and closer to a new understanding of what a bad boy Harvey is. With all the hype and warnings, Harvey has come with wrath and vengeance.
Jesus is in the business of calming storms. He can handle them quite well. There is a cool story in the Bible where Jesus got into a boat and the disciples jumped in too. All at once a big bad "Harvey" type storm came up on the lake and the waves went ever-which-a-way over the boat. But, Jesus was snoring. Not really, but he was sound asleep! The disciples woke him up and screamed for them to save him cause they were going to drown. Jesus replied "Y'all of little faith! Why are you so chicken?" He then got up and yelled at the wind and waves. All at once, everything was calm. The disciples were like "Dude, how did you do this? What kind of dude are you, anyway? Even the winds and waves obey what you say!" Matthew 8:23-27 (NBA paraphrase)
We will all experience treacherous storms in life. Some are real live storms like Harvey. Some are other kinds of storms. Cancer. Marital strife and divorce. Loss and grief. Financial strain. Loneliness. Heartache. No one is protected from the storms of life. However, there is great relief in knowing that no matter how great the storm is, Jesus is very present and real.
Did you notice the disciples in the story? They were trying to take control and figure things out on their own! But, Jesus was fast asleep. The disciples must have felt that Jesus totally abandoned them! But, he didn't one bit! I have a feeling He was so in synch with God that He was at peace in the storm and could sleep soundly. And we wonder why we stress? How often do we play "God" just like the disciples?
Whatever trial you face today, please know that it does not go un-noticed by our Lord. He knows and sees all and is in full control. God will see us through our storm.
Updated August 28: As we view the devastation this day, our hearts are breaking. Honestly, what can we do? One thing we can do is pray. God is still in the business of calming storms. Please join me in praying:
Father in Heaven, We come to you today on behalf of all who are in and around Houston and surrounding cities devastated by Harvey. It is beyond our comprehension the devastation. Our hearts are breaking as we watch the news and glance at these pictures of rising water. We long to help but feel so helpless. Lord, show us how we can make a difference from afar. Each of us can do something. Please show us. Please teach us the power of prayer and being on our knees on behalf of our fellow Texans and rescue workers.
For those who are dealing with rising waters, we ask that you could comfort them right now and meet their every need. We pray that you would raise up an army of people, volunteers, and organizations around our country to rescue and provide for those that need help. We pray for you to provide places of refuge and refreshment for those that need a place to lay their head. God, give wisdom for our city officials, civil servants, governmental and community leaders throughout the state of Texas and the United States. Give them daily strength and meet their every need as they deal with the task ahead. We pray for a calming of the storm in every way. Please, we ask that you would stop the rains. We ask that you would prevent any more loss of life in the wake of this tragic event. We ask that your love would shine brilliantly as humans serve their fellow man. We ask that your peace would pervade all who have been traumatized by this event. We pray that our Houston friends would not fear, but know that when they pass through the deep waters, you will be with them. May they experience your constant presence and peace today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
"Do not be afraid- I will save you. I have called you by name- you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you." Isaiah 43:1-3
"Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5: 7
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
With each passing hour, we inch closer and closer to a new understanding of what a bad boy Harvey is. With all the hype and warnings, Harvey has come with wrath and vengeance.
Jesus is in the business of calming storms. He can handle them quite well. There is a cool story in the Bible where Jesus got into a boat and the disciples jumped in too. All at once a big bad "Harvey" type storm came up on the lake and the waves went ever-which-a-way over the boat. But, Jesus was snoring. Not really, but he was sound asleep! The disciples woke him up and screamed for them to save him cause they were going to drown. Jesus replied "Y'all of little faith! Why are you so chicken?" He then got up and yelled at the wind and waves. All at once, everything was calm. The disciples were like "Dude, how did you do this? What kind of dude are you, anyway? Even the winds and waves obey what you say!" Matthew 8:23-27 (NBA paraphrase)
We will all experience treacherous storms in life. Some are real live storms like Harvey. Some are other kinds of storms. Cancer. Marital strife and divorce. Loss and grief. Financial strain. Loneliness. Heartache. No one is protected from the storms of life. However, there is great relief in knowing that no matter how great the storm is, Jesus is very present and real.
Did you notice the disciples in the story? They were trying to take control and figure things out on their own! But, Jesus was fast asleep. The disciples must have felt that Jesus totally abandoned them! But, he didn't one bit! I have a feeling He was so in synch with God that He was at peace in the storm and could sleep soundly. And we wonder why we stress? How often do we play "God" just like the disciples?
Whatever trial you face today, please know that it does not go un-noticed by our Lord. He knows and sees all and is in full control. God will see us through our storm.
Updated August 28: As we view the devastation this day, our hearts are breaking. Honestly, what can we do? One thing we can do is pray. God is still in the business of calming storms. Please join me in praying:
Father in Heaven, We come to you today on behalf of all who are in and around Houston and surrounding cities devastated by Harvey. It is beyond our comprehension the devastation. Our hearts are breaking as we watch the news and glance at these pictures of rising water. We long to help but feel so helpless. Lord, show us how we can make a difference from afar. Each of us can do something. Please show us. Please teach us the power of prayer and being on our knees on behalf of our fellow Texans and rescue workers.
For those who are dealing with rising waters, we ask that you could comfort them right now and meet their every need. We pray that you would raise up an army of people, volunteers, and organizations around our country to rescue and provide for those that need help. We pray for you to provide places of refuge and refreshment for those that need a place to lay their head. God, give wisdom for our city officials, civil servants, governmental and community leaders throughout the state of Texas and the United States. Give them daily strength and meet their every need as they deal with the task ahead. We pray for a calming of the storm in every way. Please, we ask that you would stop the rains. We ask that you would prevent any more loss of life in the wake of this tragic event. We ask that your love would shine brilliantly as humans serve their fellow man. We ask that your peace would pervade all who have been traumatized by this event. We pray that our Houston friends would not fear, but know that when they pass through the deep waters, you will be with them. May they experience your constant presence and peace today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
"Do not be afraid- I will save you. I have called you by name- you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you." Isaiah 43:1-3
"Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5: 7
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Pressure Cooker Times
I honestly don’t know how to talk about what I should be talking about this week. I’ve started this blog way too many times only to delete my words. The events of last week both in our country and Spain have been horrifying to see. Each day, I find myself a bit reticent to read the news of the previous night. What’s next?
Our country feels like a pressure cooker. A pressure cooker is an airtight cookware used for quick cooking or preserving of foods by means of high-temperature steam under pressure. Once water boils, it will stay at the same temperature. As water evaporates and become steam, it also is the same temperature. The only way to make steam hotter is to put the system under pressure. That’s what a pressure cooker does. If the pressure cooker fails to release, the built up pressure could explode causing serious damage.
We are living in pressure cooker times. It’s hard not to be fearful of what could happen next. How shall we live our lives during these pressurized days?
I’m not going to protest, because that’s not me. I’m not going to make waves about what should and shouldn’t happen, because that’s not me either. But, what I can do is draw people to my God. My God gives perspective. My God loves all people perfectly. My God has wisdom on how each of us can make a difference:
How do we deal with those we don’t like? “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Mathew 5:44
How do we care for those that are hurting? “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”Colossians 3:12
How do we practice peace with those in my world? “Let us therefore make ever effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19
How do we communicate with others about issues? “A man of knowledge uses word with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 17:27
How do we respond to people who feel differently about things? “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
How do we treat people? “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
How do we look toward the future? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”Deuteronomy 31:6
Stop the pressure cooker. God’s word instructs us to live differently. Do you know what blows me away even more? God loves when we look to Him for help!
Practice: As you start this day, pick one or two verses that YOU would like to make a reality in your life today. Ask God for help in this journey to look more and more like Him.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, August 14, 2017
Out of Control on the Animas
At first glance, the Animas River in Durango looked a bit intimidating. The water was super-high and running at a rate of 800 cubic feet per second, which is pretty fast. Looking like fun, we went ahead and made reservations for two inflatable kayaks, also called duckies. We're on vacation, why not?
This trip was like no other kayak trip I've taken. Waves that belonged in the ocean. White waters crashing against rocks. Rocks to dodge. Eddies to get out of. I was pleased to master most of it until Smelter. Smelter is a section of the trip known for dumping pesky little duckies like ours. Smelter gives new meaning to feeling out of control. It's the grand finale for all little duckies.
My husband killed it at Smelter. I did not. As I entered the Smelter area, I paddled left following our neophyte guide. I should have gone middle. When I tried to correct my error, I was parallel to a six-foot drop with a swirling eddy below. I paddled my heart out, but couldn't get to the middle. In an instance, I flew off the kayak and off I went on my own personal water ride. Taking a huge gush of water in, along I went, bumping rocks and swirling around like a washing machine. Finally, I grabbed a rock, only to be hurled back out into the mighty river. It wasn't long before I was able to swim to the side and grab ahold of a kind man's kayak. He was just waiting in a cove to help kayak-less people like me.
I have a healthy new respect for raging rivers. Once I dumped, I had no control. Flying through that water was something I'll never forget. It felt really scary to be out of control.
It occurred to me later that evening, how control is so much a part of my human nature. Fear and control go hand in hand. I can so easily fall prey to trying to control the things I fear or worry about. I have a feeling you do as well. We can attempt to try to control our spouses, our children and grandchildren, our schedule, our image, our friendships, our environments, etc. How much stress do you bring on yourself trying to be in control?
Sometimes, our controlling nature fails us. When we try to control our life, worry and anxiety become close companions. Instead of seeking God's help, we rely on our own wisdom and own power to get through stuff. We become our own god, demanding control.
The day on the Animas River reminded me of my need for God. He was in full control of the situation. I was not.
As you start this day: Spend a few quiet minutes with God. Ask him to examine your heart and reveal to you ways you've sought control in matters. Write down everything that God shows you. Did you know that God loves you so much that he doesn't want you to worry about anything?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own expectations. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
This trip was like no other kayak trip I've taken. Waves that belonged in the ocean. White waters crashing against rocks. Rocks to dodge. Eddies to get out of. I was pleased to master most of it until Smelter. Smelter is a section of the trip known for dumping pesky little duckies like ours. Smelter gives new meaning to feeling out of control. It's the grand finale for all little duckies.
My husband killed it at Smelter. I did not. As I entered the Smelter area, I paddled left following our neophyte guide. I should have gone middle. When I tried to correct my error, I was parallel to a six-foot drop with a swirling eddy below. I paddled my heart out, but couldn't get to the middle. In an instance, I flew off the kayak and off I went on my own personal water ride. Taking a huge gush of water in, along I went, bumping rocks and swirling around like a washing machine. Finally, I grabbed a rock, only to be hurled back out into the mighty river. It wasn't long before I was able to swim to the side and grab ahold of a kind man's kayak. He was just waiting in a cove to help kayak-less people like me.
I have a healthy new respect for raging rivers. Once I dumped, I had no control. Flying through that water was something I'll never forget. It felt really scary to be out of control.
It occurred to me later that evening, how control is so much a part of my human nature. Fear and control go hand in hand. I can so easily fall prey to trying to control the things I fear or worry about. I have a feeling you do as well. We can attempt to try to control our spouses, our children and grandchildren, our schedule, our image, our friendships, our environments, etc. How much stress do you bring on yourself trying to be in control?
Sometimes, our controlling nature fails us. When we try to control our life, worry and anxiety become close companions. Instead of seeking God's help, we rely on our own wisdom and own power to get through stuff. We become our own god, demanding control.
The day on the Animas River reminded me of my need for God. He was in full control of the situation. I was not.
As you start this day: Spend a few quiet minutes with God. Ask him to examine your heart and reveal to you ways you've sought control in matters. Write down everything that God shows you. Did you know that God loves you so much that he doesn't want you to worry about anything?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own expectations. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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