I’m not sure what it is about vacations that can cause people (or maybe just me) to just go for it. From sampling (gorging?) on food never before tried or wearing that strangely-patterned shirt and shorts. “Hey! Just go for it…you’re on vacation. What’s the harm?”

What could possibly go wrong?

Hold that thought.

I recently returned from a week-long vacation with our tribe of 15: children, spouses and grands. This has been our rhythm for about 16 years. A week at Lake Tahoe, enjoying time together and taking advantage of everything the Lake has to offer. Swimming, parasailing, boating, rafting, horseback riding. You name it, we’ve done it!

What else is there to do?…I know!…How about a two-hour sunset kayak experience on the Lake? Doesn’t that sound great!

What could possibly go wrong?

In retrospect, I recognize the difference between a kayaking adventure and the things previously experienced. Our prior activities were mostly passive. That is, they required just showing up. Rafting? Stay on the raft; the current will do the work. Horseback riding? Say “giddy up!” Parasailing? Got wind? (Still, that’s another story). Though fun and exciting, our adventures had been things done to and for me more than by me.

I can’t say that I didn’t receive a bit of advice (warning). Always prescient, Gail said, “You might want to think about this. I don’t think it’s a good idea for us. I’m not going.” Her words would later echo loudly.

I’m reminded of Jesus’ words to a group that were seemingly caught-up in the idea of being one of his disciples but not fully understanding what that meant. He put it this way,

Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house (or embark on a two-hour kayak ride), doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost (seriously consider if you’re up for this) so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid (or simply put on a life vest and go through a basic ‘this is how you paddle course’) and then run out of money (or out of energy halfway through), you’re going to look pretty foolish (tell me about it). Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.

Yep. You can guess what went down. About half-way into what at first seemed like a great idea, the body (in response to hip-flexor muscle strain) said, “This REALLY hurts!” The mind joined in a chorus of “What were you thinking?”

Thankfully, there was a professional leading our group…someone that was fully experienced and prepared.

I had plenty of time for reflection as I was being towed back to shore. (How humiliating!) Memo to self: listen to your wife when your wife talks to ya. Or, at least consider the consequences of doing something before committing to it.

A parallel thought popped into the mind of an extremely sore body. The idea of being a Christ follower can supersede the lived reality. Put another way, life’s lyrics can get ahead of (replace?) its melody. There’s a song that goes in-part,

I give myself away, so you can use me….Take my life, as a living sacrifice, all my dreams all my plans, Lord I place them in your hands.

Lofty. Wonderful. Sounds great. The reality?

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”

Categories: Acts17seventeen Christian Christianity Community Follower Of Jesus

Pastor Mark

Mark, the eighth of nine children born to Reuben and Henrietta Meeks—dedicated church planters with nearly 30 congregations established across California’s Central Valley—is a preacher's kid who grew up immersed in faith and service. With over forty years of experience teaching, discipling, and ministering to communities, including the hospitalized and incarcerated, Mark responded to God's call to pastoral ministry. He holds degrees in civil engineering and public administration, as well as a Master’s in Theology from Fuller Seminary, equipping him to serve with both practical insight and spiritual depth.