Ocean Views
When our two daughters were young, we would organize a “Family Date Night” pretty much every Thursday evening. My husband, the girls, and I would take turns planning how the 4 of us would spend some precious quality time together. Here’s how it worked: When it was your turn to be the “planner”, you got to choose the restaurant where we would dine (anything from fast food to a family favorite, Camino Real) and you would also pick which activity we would do together. We saw movies, went roller skating, made cookies, visited Toys R Us to buy a game we could play together . . . you name it and we probably did it on those sweet Thursdays. One week, our daughter, Kelsey, told us what our plans for the night would be and while it initially sounded like a fun activity, it proved to be more challenging for Dick and I than we realized. She said, “We’re going to eat at McDonalds (she always chose that place), and then go home and we’re all going to write a story and read them to each other. Kelsey was in second grade at the time, and Whitney was in third grade. So their minds were fertile with imagination, and very adept at being “creative on command” in this way.
(This is our family around that time)
Dick and I, though also expressive – but usually more in a songwriting vein – hadn’t just sat down and written a story in many, many years. I’ll never forget that evening when the four of us grabbed our pens and papers, gathered in front of the fireplace, and Dick and I watched as our girls wrote away excitedly and with great energy, while the two of us stared at each other blankly as if to say “Hmmm, you got any ideas?”
I probably haven’t written a story since that night, but I decided to take on the challenge as a fresh way to help me process some of the things I see the Lord doing in my life right now. So 35 years later . . . let’s give this story-writing another chance. Here we go:
One day, the Lord came to me and said, “Mel, I know you love being out on the water. Why don’t you get into this boat with me and let’s take a ride?” God knows me well because, yes, I’m a fan of anything water-related. It generally calms my heart and spirit. Whether I’ve spent time riding in a pontoon boat on a beautiful lake, on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea, snorkeling in Hawaii, or even skiing behind a jet boat (okay, many years ago), being on, in, or around water provides refreshment like nothing else. So of course, my answer was, “Sure!”
I found myself behind the steering wheel for a few minutes, and then the Lord gently loosened my hands and scooted in to take the helm. We headed out into the ocean – finding some calm waters on the way which we easily skirted through, but also taking waves that I might not have dared to jump had I been driving. But God clearly had control of our vessel.
After a while, I started to realize that I wasn’t seeing land anymore. We were way out, and I also had no idea where we were headed. I was doing my best to be reliant and assured in my Captain, the one who created the waters, but I meekly said, “Can I ask where we are going?” The Lord gave me a confident glance, and I realized He was saying, “Trust me.”
Our boat slowed down a bit and for a few hours, we glided on a tranquil sea. I took out a mirror to fix my hair and realized there wasn’t much more than a remnant of my once thick, flowing locks. I also looked down at my chest and saw a chemo port that had been implanted just below my right collar bone. There were other elements of my appearance that looked foreign to me, and I began to tear up. “What happened to me?”, I asked. God said, “Don’t worry. You are still exactly who I made you to be. There are reasons for this journey you will understand, and others you won’t. Keep trusting me.”
In the days and weeks ahead, God took me through dark nights where only the light of the moon allowed us to see what was in front of us. There were also stormy days when the rains came down hard. But there were also periods when we would just sit back, enjoy the many shades of blue out in the deep, and smell the salt air. I realized I was learning to trust. Learning that whether the waves were high or the seas like glass, the Creator of the Heavens and Earth was piloting this craft – sometimes directing us straight ahead, and other times making turns here and there to suit His purposes. He never gave me a map or even knowledge of the destination, but he did provide peace in every circumstance.
We’re still on this maritime expedition. And I do think we will be back on land at some point. But until that day, I’m doing my best to take in this season when the God of the Universe invited me into the boat to show me intentional love, even if it involves wind and waves – and deep and difficult realities. As well, it may not even look like love to others. But I’m certain that it is.
I know He has chosen me for this resolute voyage, and the story isn’t over yet. So my job is to relax in the vessel, press in to know the Master of the Seas in a deeper way, and rest in His purposes for this trip we are taking.
You may be sensing God is leading you on a similar journey. Don’t be afraid to get into the boat.
“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” (Psalm 77:19)
PS – I wrote this on Sunday, Jan. 25. Before posting it, I wanted our daughters to look it over. Whitney reached out afterwards to tell me THE verse her small group expounded on, on that Sunday morning was . . . Psalm 77:19. And at the end of their time together, they prayed over me, according to that verse. What?? Out of every verse in the Bible they could have studied? If you don’t believe our God is “The God who Sees”, it’s time to start believing it!
PSS – For any of you who have been in a Bible study I have taught through the years, you may recognize a similarity to one of my favorite readings from a Tim Hansel book, Holy Sweat. His writing called “Pedal” is an inspiration for this story.
15 Comments
cyndi
My favorite verse concerning traveling on the sea is Psalm 107: 23-30. It is only in the deep we truly see Him. As I have re-read this today, I focused upon, “they reeled and staggered like a drunkard and all their skill was useless…” The storms are scary and hard and we can’t deny that but when we cry out, He is there. We both are water people and the deep water is both wonderful and scary at the same time. Love you.
Pam Nelson
Perfect! What a wonderful allegory that can be read into many of our lives! ❤️
Linda Toney
Thank you so much for the wonderful story you’ve written, it was just what I needed to read. On October 20 I had my 2nd foot surgery and was unable to walk for over two months. It was hard but now I am in tennis shoes and now able to put weight on my foot and walk.
Now that I am up moving around, I am now in a fib and having irregular heartbeat, and an ablation is scheduled for April 1.
Without God, I don’t know what I would do. He is my rock. He’s my security. He’s my strength.
I know your story is going to help and touch so many other people and I hope it’s OK if I share this on my Facebook page. I have a lot of friends that are going through cancer right now too and I feel your story will bring a lot of strength to them.
mel.tunney@gmail.com
Of course you can post this. May the Lord use it to help others.
Tricia Kubasko
I’m so sorry for the wind & waves….but it’s a great lesson for all of us!
Continuing to pray for healing, comfort, peace and blessings along the way.
Nancy Anders
Mercy, I’m crying over here🥲 touched me deep and pls know you are so loved and I know you know that God hears our prayers for you❤️🙏
Becky Eaker
Mel, thank you for writing this. I can so relate to those words from God ” Trust
ME.” HE is able to do far above anything we can even ask. When I was close to death, He would gently remind me to cast all my cares on Him. I had no strength or even the desire to plow on, but God said keep trusting me!!! Hey, I’m also like you about water. I wish I could live IN it! Jack and I are headed on a cruise this Sunday! Nothing more majestic than the ocean.
mel.tunney@gmail.com
Enjoy the cruise, Becky. And your story is SUCH an inspiration. God IS the Great Physician!
Micki Thurman
What a Word picture! This is a beautiful story written by you, for you and countless others. You will return to enjoy the beach of healing and health! Isaiah 53:5 is your promise, Mel. Your name is written, in red, in the margin of my Bible by this verse. The Body and the Blood of Jesus keeps you well.
Cristy Ludwig
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. 💛
Greg Nelson
Melodie,
What a beautiful telling! And what a perfect allegory for all you are experiencing now. There is a knowing confidence in your words. Not a “When you wish upon a star” dream scene, but a There Is Peace, Find Your Strength In The Lord, To God Be All Glory confidence and assistance.
You are an inspiration! Keep writing! It’s good for the soul. And it’s really good for us to hear your unbelievable testimony of faith.
Pam and I love you bunches…lots of bunches!
Never always
Greg ❤️
Allison Wate
Mel – THANK YOU! What a beautiful way to chronicle this journey and how God is using it in your life. Someone already referred to Psalm 107 – one of my favorites. The last part of verse 30 has always jumped out at me: “Then He guided them to the harbor they longed for.” NIV – “desired haven”
I do not know who said this but it is a great comfort: God not only knows where you’re going, but He knows how to get you there”. Dear Mel – continue to rest in the One who is carrying you to your desired haven.
Love you and praying!
Allison
Allison Ware
That previous post should have been Allison Ware 🙃
c. rhodes
So tender for you this morning, reading this. And also so inspired by the stories you shared, first the one about that earlier time when you felt you had nothing to write, and then the beautiful story you so eloquently wrote about the journey you are on, all toward encouraging those of us reading it to find God in the midst of our own journeys. So beautiful and poignant. Thak you for sharing. – cr
Karla Strawser
Mel, this is SO well written. Such an encouragement for all of us. I’ve struggled many times with trust. But as I heard an evangelist once say many years ago, we are in the car on the highway in the bumper to bumper traffic jam. We have no idea what is up ahead or why we are stuck and waiting. But God is in the helicopter above the cars and he can see all the way to the end. He knows exactly why we are waiting and we need only to trust. He goes before us and is even in the waiting with us.