Rebecca Carpenter

           I pushed hard against the door to the promenade deck of the ship and was finally able to open it.  When I stood on the deck, the wind outside did not seem as intense.  Fortunately, yesterday’s rough seas had dissipated and gentle waves rocked the ship.  While looking out over the blue water, I was thrilled to see the rising sun shower diamonds in a line from the horizon to the ship.  Sparkling ripples brightened the water as a sharp contrast to the gloomy clouds of the previous day.

            The words of “How Great Thou Art” flowed from me as I thought of God and His beautiful creation.  I felt like I was in my own private cathedral with the ocean, sun, and bright sky surrounding me like magnificent stained glass windows.  God was near.

            The empty deck, calm sea, and brilliant sun all provided me with a sense of peace, but when I turned to go around the back of the ship, that changed.  Wind hit my face and dark, gloomy clouds hung in the sky which I had not expected.  I turned from the back of the ship and onto the opposite side of the ship where a different scene awaited me.  Strong winds heaved me from side to side as I attempted to walk.  The sky was bright with large, white clouds but with no evidence of the sun.  Curving around the front of the ship caused me to brace myself against the even stronger wind.  Thankfully, as I returned to where I had begun, only a light wind was blowing and the sun was rising farther into the sky. 

            Isn’t that trip around the ship like life?  We are calmly proceeding with the sun and gentle breezes when we round a corner and are bombarded with a gale which can knock us off balance.  Surges of wind and waves hammer us for a time, but as we continue plodding along, they begin to subside.  Rounding another corner can offer a surprise of unexpected calm.  Just as I experienced various conditions while taking my morning jaunt, I have also experienced many unusual and sometimes unwelcome conditions as I walk through life.

       My husband allowed me to drive our brand new car to a breakfast that I was attending.  When I left, I walked to the car with some friends and showed them the new car.  I wanted to demonstrate one of the special features so I pushed a button which put all windows down and opened the sunroof.  This was supposed to make the car more pleasant on a hot day by letting the hot air out before the occupants entered the car. 
       As I prepared to drive home, I thought the weather was so pleasant that I would leave the top open.  After going a little ways, I looked at the sky and noticed dark, ominous clouds.  I decided that I had better close the top.  Then a terrible thought hit me.  I did not remember how to close it.  As sprinkles started to hit the windshield, I thought water filling the inside of the car and ruining it before I could get home.  Not a pleasant thought.  I kept looking around the car to find the switch and kept pushing buttons.  Nothing.  As I drove faster and faster, I kept hoping that all of the traffic lights would be green.  I searched for a place with an awning that I could drive under, but there were none.  Then I remembered that my cell phone had been programmed into the car, but I did not know if it would work since my phone was in the trunk.  Fortunately, it came on with a voice talking to me.  There were no numbers in the speed dial so when the light turned red, I put our home number into the system.  I hoped that Alan had gotten home from his racquetball game.  Thankfully, he answered so I quickly told him my plight.  He calmly instructed me to push the switch above my head–how simple.  I had looked at all of the switches and buttons on the dashboard but had not even looked up.  Slowly, the top closed, the rain stopped, and with relief I returned home with a dry car and happy husband.  Maybe next time, I will just drive the truck!!