Lifeboat

LIfeboat


As we return to school, I wanted to re share a thought I had posted a few years ago and thought it had application for today. A couple of summers ago, I had the opportunity to take my family on a cruise! We had a fabulous time together and were able to see some really beautiful sights. We ate way too much and took advantage of the chance to unplug and relax. We were on our way home when our ship came to a stop in the ocean. The captain came on the speaker to say that a member of the crew had spotted what they believed to be a life raft, and that they were going to divert course to investigate the situation.


As we approached the object in the ocean, it became very clear that it absolutely was a life raft! It was a man made craft floating in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight!

I immediately felt convicted. I was reminded of all the times that I thought that I had it rough. I don't truly know what rough is. I then began to think about the people who constructed the lifeboat and the life they must have. Clearly, the lifeboat in the middle of the ocean was a better option than to stay in their current situation. The lifeboat represented HOPE for these individuals. 

As we got closer to the lifeboat, it became clear that the lifeboat was empty. I would like to believe that another ship came by before us, found the individuals, and took them to any number of destinations around the globe. I would like to think they were able to find a new life.

I have pondered this event for a number of months now and particularly as we have been dealing with the pandemic. I have come to the conclusion that educators and schools are like lifeboats. Schools and teachers are the HOPE for all of our students. You support them in getting to the destination of their dreams. Some of our students come carrying motors they can drop in the water and troll to where they want to go. Others come with oars that require effort and energy to paddle to the shore. Others get into the boat with neither a motor or oars.  It is for these that we make a sail and capture the winds of aspirations to get them to port. In all three situations, they do not reach their destination without the support of the lifeboat. 

I pray for smooth sailing for each of you in the weeks and months ahead as we navigate to our destinations and weather the storms!

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