Boating On The Lake

When I look back on that strange day,
I think of how we made our way
across the placid, glass-smooth lake,
a sturdy boat, a shallow wake
as we pulled on the oars.

But then, with unexpected force,
dark clouds rolled in.  Our peaceful course
was battered by high waves and wind
that surged and howled and tried to send
us to a watery death.

I heard within the raging storm
a voice that said, "There's no alarm!
Take heart, my friends, for I am here.
There's nothing now that you should fear.
You'll live to tell the world."

He then appeared atop the waves!
The confidence and love he gave
filled all our hearts with joy and hope,
propelled our fragile, threatened boat
to safety on the shore.

Some years have come and gone since then.
I've told the tale and there have been
so many who, in faith and trust,
have said with wonder that they must
locate this unique man.

I tell them that he's very near.
He has a way with storms and fear.
He lives within all human hearts
and calls out when the ragings start.
"Take heart.  I'm right here, too."

(A meditation on John 6)