Smooth Seas

We went on a fun hike with Julia and her boys on Tuesday in Golden. The weather was fantastic and the boys really enjoyed themselves. They pretended to be mountain goats, climbing on the rocks and running around collecting treasures (e.g. weeds, flowers, etc). Tate carried the backpack with lunch and water while I toted Chase on my back, as it was pretty steep with some rock-climbing. I took the camera (the small one that doesn’t take good pictures), but unfortunately I realized it was out of juice while trying to take a picture on the hike…oh well, next time.

But one thing I keep thinking about from the hike was a sign that I read in front of a church while driving through Golden on our way to the trailhead, it read:

Smooth seas don’t make for skilled sailors.

This sign struck a cord with me. It hits on a truth that I have been becoming more and more aware of lately. If life had no bumps, hiccups, or challenges to work our way through, how would we build character? Or learn to be more patient…compassionate…faithful? I want to be a skilled sailor and I want my children to be skilled sailors, dealing with life’s waves and storms joyfully, prayerfully, and with a Christ-like calmness and grace….good thing I have a few more years to try to get it right! :)