Sailing on Lake Chelan

This morning the regatta took center stage: Lake Chelan hosted dozens of sailboats each with sails unfurled--chasing the wind.

To the untrained eye, the competition was confusing. What were the rules? Who was actually ahead in that jumble of sails and masts? Where was the finish line?

It occurred to me that life is often like that. Each of us lives out our days, aiming toward the finish line, trying this or that technique to get ahead. Some seem to catch a gust of wind early on and spurt forward. Others remain in the middle of the pack, lost in the crowd. Still others lag behind until, suddenly, the wind catches their sails and they advance with reckless abandon.

Like sailing, effective living requires skill and an ability to catch the wind. For the Christian that wind is the uplifting Holy Spirit who comforts Christians and propels us toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippans 3:14).

I may never master the art of sailing a boat, but with the Holy Spirit's help, I'm on the right course and I'm bound for glory . . . .