Heading Downstream, Looking Upstream!

Heading Downstream, Looking UpstreamDr. Vince Hefner, PastorFirst Baptist ChurchCherryville, North CarolinaBefore I started playing the banjo, well, practicing on the banjo, I took kayaking lessons. I wanted a hobby that was exciting but not too dangerous. Let’s be honest, whitewater kayaking is exciting and dangerous. The first lesson in kayaking is learning how to escape the boat while you are upside down in the water. It is not as easy as it sounds because part of your body is inside the kayak and you are wearing a skirt (a waterproof piece of equipment) around your waist to keep the water outside the boat. The key is not to panic when you are upside down under water. The second lesson is how to “roll the boat” upright when you find yourself upside down under water. This too is not as easy as it sounds. However, I was an enthusiastic student and a quick learner. After a couple of lessons I was ready for the river, or so I thought.My instructors took me and another beginner to Wilson’s Creek, a place where beginners can learn without too much risk to life or limb. I was so excited as I put my boat in the river and began to paddle around in a gentle part of the water. My instructor gave a few more helpful hints; the most important was to keep the boat going straight. This wasn’t too hard while I practiced in the pool, but a river is different, very different.There is something in a river that is not in a pool, besides snakes and other wildlife: rocks, real big rocks in the most inconvenient places. It did not take me long to introduce myself to every big rock in Wilson’s Creek. As a matter of fact, I figured out what the word kayak means, “rock magnet.”If the rocks weren’t bad enough, the rapids brought on a completely different set of challenges. Remember, the last words of advice from my instructor were to keep my boat going straight down the river. Something must have been wrong with my boat or my paddle, because my boat wanted to go sideways. I struggled down the river but managed to stay on top of the water. I thought I was getting better until I came to a good run of rapids. My boat was going sideways and I thought I could correct it before I went down. I straightened out my boat, but instead of facing down stream, I was facing upstream. Yes, I was going down the rapids backwards! I couldn’t see where I was going but I didn’t hit one rock! I wanted to act like I meant to go down backwards. Anybody can go down white water rapids front wards! If I continue to go down rapids backwards, I will need to install side view mirrors on my boat. After I had finished my exhibition of extreme kayaking, I paddled over to my instructor. He could only manage a smile at his very lucky student.When my first white water run was over and we were pulling our boats out of the river, I was hoping my instructor would tell me how he thought I did. I guess he knew what I was waiting for so he turned to me and said, “Well, you don’t panic!” That was it, but at least he didn’t tell me to find another hobby.I have thought about going down that river backwards and seeing where I had been, and wondering every minute where I was going next. As exciting as it was, I prefer to go down the river the correct way and see what is in front of me. I feel the same way about life. I had rather look ahead to new possibilities instead of living in the past. The Christian has the added advantage of going through life with Jesus at his side. 2 Corinthians 1: 21-22 says, “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” It is good to know that whether we go through life front wards or back wards, Jesus Christ will be with us. I prefer front wards. Remember, don’t give in to sin. Think about it!