Sails and Anchors
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Hebrews 6:19 (NLT)
With excitement, we drove onto the Washington State Ferry to Port Townsend. As our vessel moved away from the dock, the views opened up to tree-covered islands and Mount Rainier towering over the Cascade Range. After arriving and settling into our B&B, we strolled the streets of the 1851 seaport village lined with restored Victorian-era buildings.
Stopping for lunch at the Belmont Hotel, we were seated at a window table overlooking the bay. As we gazed at sparkling water, blue sky, and the charming wharf we noticed a number of sailboats zigzagging across the waves. Our waiter confirmed that it was a regatta and pointed out the finish line. We watched the boats slip back and forth across the sea and took a guess as to which one was the winner.
Being in the Victorian town and watching the sailboats reminded me of a quilt square I discovered when I was going through my mother-in-law’s quilts after her death. Among her stash was a simple block of a sailboat. Burgundy sails graced the brown boat as it rested upon a blue fabric water strip. I found myself wishing I knew her intent for this block. What kind of project did she have in mind? All that remained was the fabric sailboat anchored against an ivory sky.
Sailboats are designed to dance along the water, skimming the waves. Sails harness the power of the wind. Positioning the canvas causes the vessel to move in the direction the captain determines. The keel on the bottom of the ship keeps it from skidding sideways.
If boats are intended to move, why do they have anchors? Every marine vessel has some sort of anchor which can be used as resistance against the pull of the wind and waves. Essentially, an anchor holds the boat firm, so it does not drift out to sea and become lost.
Tracing the seams on the sailboat quilt block, I pondered how Jesus is like the sails and anchor to my little boat. The gales of life blow hard at times and Almighty God uses that power to move me in the direction He wants. Sometimes I joyously rush across the waves with the breeze at my back.
Sailboats are designed to drop anchor to keep them from listing. As Christ followers, our anchor is the hope we have in Him. That hope is strong and steadfast and rests upon the salvation and promises Jesus offers us. He holds us firm and secure against the tendency to drift.
When our boats struggle against the forces of life, turning into the wind provides forward movement towards our destination. The process of tacking is laborious. However, Jesus uses the wind to sail us into His safe harbor. He never stops seeing us or loving us and He can calm the storm.
My Prayer
Dear Jesus, as the winds push against my boat, please use them for forward movement even if it is a slow back and forth motion. You are the only anchor that keeps me from drifting away and becoming lost.