Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Seafaring Imagery


"You are leaving port under sealed orders and in a troubled period.
You cannot know whither you are going or what you are to do. But why not take the Pilot on board who knows the nature of your sealed orders from the outset, and who will shape your entire voyage accordingly? He knows the shoals and the sandbanks, the rocks and the reefs, He will steer you safely into that celestial harbor where your anchor will be cast for eternity. Let His mighty nail-pierced hands hold the wheel, and you will be safe."  
  - Peter Marshall (1902-1949), "John Doe, Disciple: sermons for the young in spirit"

I loved reading about Peter Marshall in his wife, Catherine's, books. He sounded like a man of conscience, a loving and good man, and a trustworthy pastor.

His seafaring imagery appeals to me, though I don't interpret "you will be safe" to mean what it once meant, to me. It no longer promises, You will be protected from danger, storms will not arise and bad things will not happen to you. It now indicates something like, You will have guidance, you will have help, whatever may come.

Reading the words, "He will steer you safely into that celestial harbor where your anchor will be cast for eternity" suggests to me that I am going that place, with His guidance - no matter what happens between now and then. God's love for me, His act of creating me, and my love for God assure me that I am His. He will take me home, eventually. Until then, I am here in my temporary home, to learn what He has to teach me and to be prepared for my eternal home. Katie is there, now; how passionately I look forward to seeing her! We walked her home, and my heart tells me that now, she is waiting for us there. She told me that it would be so, just days before she died; I am counting on it.

12 comments:

Laurie Brandriet Keller said...

Such a nice reminder of what is on the other side. Thank you. xoxo.

Karen said...

That was so beautiful. I also loved reading about Peter and Catherine Marshall. I so identify with your changing definition of "safety". Mine is also changing, in the same direction as yours. Thank you for putting it into words so well. You are a step or so ahead of me and I appreciate your faith-filled guidance on the path.

Pam said...

Love the quote by Peter Marshall. Both of them were extraordinary!

This reminded me of a quote from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe about Aslan... "he isn't safe, but he's good". That sentence always puzzles me and yet it says so much. It breaks the mold of what we think 'safe' and good' mean and forces me to reevaluate just as you've been doing... : )

Busy Bee Suz said...

Wow, I love his quote. Very thought provoking and brings home what I have always thought too.

Gaby said...

This is beautiful!
I walk every day knowing im closer to Home & to seeing My Katie. What happy Mamas we will be!

Gberger said...

Welcome, Gaby! I'm glad you stopped by to leave a comment. I couldn't find a place to leave a comment for you by following your link, so consider yourself greeted here.

Gaby said...

Thankyou Karen
I enjoy your blog so much!
It was my Katies Birthday yesterday & the Beautiful quote by Peter Marshall did brighten my day a little!
Have a great day!
love Gab

Anonymous said...

I loved the seafaring imagery also. Very beautiful...I have often said that God has promised us eternal life - and that it takes on a whole new meaning when your child has died. It is the promise that you will see your sweet child again. I am counting on that, too. I long to see Caroline again, just as you long to see Katie. I am so glad we have that promise.

I enjoy your blog, and as I've said to you before, I found it just before Caroline died last December. Your writing gave me hope that with courage, my family could survive this horrific ordeal and be able to live with joy and hope. We try hard everyday to do that, to live with Caroline's same joy. It is how we honor her. But we miss her endlessly and always, and I am so counting on seeing her in Heaven.

I love your writing and your photographs!

Carol
www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolineh

Diana Ferguson said...

Thank you for sharing this! Blessings to you as you continue to move forward.

Enjoyed my visit.

Renee said...

It is so sweet Karen. You will see your Katie on the day beyond days and she will be able to see her Mama again.

Love Renee xoxo

Renee said...

Kisses and hugs xxxxoooo

xoxoxo

Diana Ferguson said...

Hi Karen,

I did not use a pattern; however I had a 12 1/2 inch square to cut all the t-shirts.

Yes, I agree. This would be so special to do with your daughter's. Keep me posted on your decision.

Blessings