This past week my wife and I participated in our first cruise. It was a Caribbean cruise originating in New Orleans and stopping at two places in Mexico. We were part of a ministry group consisting of 39 ministry couples. It was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed the calm beauty of the open ocean and the fellowship with God's people. The laughter and practical jokes made memories that will last a lifetime. The Lord made this trip extra special for us by allowing another couple that we count as dear friends to be on the same ship, though it was unplanned. It was truly a wonderful week.
This week I am starting afresh in Genesis with my Bible reading. As I read about Noah this evening I realized that I can appreciate this story in a way I never really could before my first experience on the open sea. I grew up on the water. Being in a boat was a matter of course for me, but it was always in a river where land could be seen on either side. I had been out in the gulf for a day of fun on the barrier islands. Usually this ride was done by ferry. But the ride lasted an hour at the most and I was on the island and then back on shore. This week was different. This week I experienced my first taste of being "at sea." Though I have watched the sun come up on the beach many times I had never before been surrounded by water for more than a couple of hours.
One thing that I noticed right off was the rocking of the ship. I was not prepared for this. I have never been one to be motion sick but that first day and night was rough. I was extremely disoriented. I had to take medicine to keep from being nauseated. I went to sleep while the boat was in the Mississippi river. I awoke when the waves of the gulf started and could sleep no more that night. By the time we docked in Cozumel on Wednesday I was beyond ready to get off of the ship and have some dry land under my feet. The return trip was much smoother and I was able to relax. Nevertheless, I was very glad to be in New Orleans by Saturday morning.
Reading about Noah this afternoon made me contemplate the differences between his trip in the Ark and my trip on a cruise ship. Allow me to share some of my thoughts with you.
Trusting Him Daily,
Sullivan Jones
This week I am starting afresh in Genesis with my Bible reading. As I read about Noah this evening I realized that I can appreciate this story in a way I never really could before my first experience on the open sea. I grew up on the water. Being in a boat was a matter of course for me, but it was always in a river where land could be seen on either side. I had been out in the gulf for a day of fun on the barrier islands. Usually this ride was done by ferry. But the ride lasted an hour at the most and I was on the island and then back on shore. This week was different. This week I experienced my first taste of being "at sea." Though I have watched the sun come up on the beach many times I had never before been surrounded by water for more than a couple of hours.
One thing that I noticed right off was the rocking of the ship. I was not prepared for this. I have never been one to be motion sick but that first day and night was rough. I was extremely disoriented. I had to take medicine to keep from being nauseated. I went to sleep while the boat was in the Mississippi river. I awoke when the waves of the gulf started and could sleep no more that night. By the time we docked in Cozumel on Wednesday I was beyond ready to get off of the ship and have some dry land under my feet. The return trip was much smoother and I was able to relax. Nevertheless, I was very glad to be in New Orleans by Saturday morning.
Reading about Noah this afternoon made me contemplate the differences between his trip in the Ark and my trip on a cruise ship. Allow me to share some of my thoughts with you.
- I was able to watch the beauty of the sea from a calm deck under sunny skies. Noah was closed into an Ark with constant rain for 40 days and nights.
- I was only at sea for a day and a night before setting foot on dry land again. Noah was in the Ark for 150 days.
- I had constant updates from the captain telling me where I was and when I would see land again. Noah's only understanding was that God would bring him through (though there couldn't be a better way to travel.)
- I had access to internet, television, and ship-to-shore telephone. Noah and his family were the only living beings on the planet.
- I enjoyed fine dining each evening with gracious servers attending to my every whim. Noah and his family were feeding the animals, keeping the ark clean, and attending to their own needs.
Trusting Him Daily,
Sullivan Jones