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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Obedience (01/31/05)
My kayak sits in the calm of an eddy at the perimeter of the roaring beast. Staying in the eddy is good for rest and refreshment but gets me nowhere. I must move on. I swivel the boat to face the power that seems so out of proportion with my stillness. Blade meets water to build momentum. It is the only way out of the eddy, the only way to access the power of the river. It is time for action. One final sweep across the eddy line while leaning downstream transitions to a paddle braced parallel to the rushing water. Stopping my efforts too soon, would strand me on the eddy line. Paddling too long or failing to lean, would invite the surging water to grab the edge of my boat and flip it over, dragging me underwater. It’s a dance - paddle, sweep, lean, brace, paddle - that makes me partners with the river in a graceful yet energetic pas de deux.

The river kayak spoke to me about obedience. In order to obey God, I must face in the right direction…toward Him. It’s His power that gives me access to growth. Once in position, obedience requires action. However, I must discern when to pause my efforts and turn to God’s will and guidance via the Holy Spirit, relying on His power to turn my meager action into Kingdom work. Relying on my own strength makes me more vulnerable to the pressures of the world swirling around me and pulling me away from God. Yet, if I join the beautiful dance of obedience – seek, act, trust, discern, persevere – I am in a grace-filled and energizing partnership with the creator of the universe.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Shellie Power
02/08/05
I liked your description. It made for a very good analogy. Good write.
Cheri Hardaway
02/12/05
Nice job!!

God bless,
Phyllis Inniss 
02/14/05
I like the analogy. I like the images of the kayak in the eddy and the dance routines you have to use to get out and that your obedience to God is similar. Thanks for sharing.