Old Boats, Old Lives

As mentioned a few posts ago, I’ve been on the hunt for another boat.  We had a 28.5 Irwin which we thoroughly enjoyed for several years until the recession forced me into some difficult choices.  So, after countless hours of cleaning, repairing, refitting, etc…. I priced the boat and the first person to view put half down with the remainder to be tendered upon my delivery to his home.  As bittersweet as that time was, I have sort of enjoyed being back in the market and have tromped around every marina from Key West to Charleston (not really but sure feels that way).

A couple of months ago I attended a boat show whereas Sailboats were totally absent but the owner of several area marinas was in attendance and happened to know of a potential freebie I might acquire.  So with a handshake and a promise that I would follow-up, we parted ways and I began my online research about the Hunter 25.5.  Approximately four weeks later I visited the marina and took a tour of the vessel.  You can see by the pictures I’ve posted, it’s going to be a sizeable project to just get her sailable.  The unexplainable listing to starboard; the leaning mast; the mold.  When I went below, well let me say it this way: If I could turn the entire hull inside-out; totally submerge it into a sea of bleach, then maybe, just maybe it might be salvageable.

So I walked back up the slip and slowly made my way to the Harbormaster’s office.  Truthfully, I was dreading the conversation as that boat was beyond rough.  However, I will say I’ve seen worse and those who really dedicate themselves can make a diamond out of coal.  To my surprise, the Harbormaster had left without saying goodbye which meant I would be able to “think” about this situation with greater discernment.  I carefully placed my business card inside the screen door with a note that I would await his call to discuss.

There are multiple scripture passages I could use to make a spiritual point but I don’t think that’s the route I should go.  Instead, I think it’s important to remind myself that when G-d saw me, he probably saw (and still sees) the imperfections in my life.  My sins grieve Him so much He sent His Son to redeem me, if I’m willing to accept.  It’s similar to when I’m sailing and the wind begins, I have choices: 1. Do nothing. 2. Hoist the Sails but try to sail against the wind.  3. Deny the wind exists even though I see the results. 4. Acknowledge the wind and its result but never really engage or know the wind.  5. Hoist and adjust the sails to move me in a way that no other resource can or does.

What I’m trying to say is even though we as humans seem to only look at the “bad” or “insurmountable” or the aggravation associated with cleaning someone else’s mess, G-d not only has the ability to look past what we are and see what we can be, He also has a Love we can’t understand.  Why? Well, I’m still not clear on why He would love us so much but He does and in my simple faith I choose to accept that along with other things I don’t necessarily understand or can explain but do see the results of such.  (Sort of like the wind, again: I can’t see the wind; only the results).

So I close with this scripture: Romans 5:8 “But G-d demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

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