I watched this scene for a long time, fascinated at the determination, and yet apparent failure of the men concerned to fulfil their goal and go out to sea.  I was deeply moved as I wrote the final paragraph.  I had not understood their seemingly futile attempts – until that moment.  What they were doing was not futile at all, but rather perseverance to attain experience – so that they were ready when they were called.

What are you practicing so that you can become the very best you can be?  May God bless you as you persevere.

Persevere

So do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.  Hebrews 10:35-36

The little boat shot away from the beach, slowing as it climbed the frothing, breaking waves, pausing on each crest, and dropping down to slam against the surface of the sea. The two occupants were jarred forward every time they hit down, but still they went on.

Beyond the breakers they slowed and circled, once, twice, my stomach and head sympathized with them as the swell of each wave tossed their tiny vessel. Perhaps they had changed their minds for now they were turning back toward the beach. Waiting for the right wave, they continued to wallow in the rolling sea.

They chose – and rode the wave in a flurry of spray and a burst of speed, back to the shore. But they did not beach the boat. They turned it in the slightly sheltered space of the launching area and went back out to sea. Faster this time. The boat rose out of the water at the crest of each wave until its weight brought it slamming back into the next wave.

Perhaps they enjoyed this thrill of motion and excitement. They ripped through the waves and appeared to be away this time – maybe for fun or for fishing. But no. In almost the same place as before they stopped and circled. Spotting the wave they were seeking they lined up their little craft and rode the crest, this time gaining speed so that the boat rode the sand for a moment and came to a halt.

Only then could her name be read. ‘Sea Rescue’. These two young men were not merely having fun on a beautiful morning. They were preparing for a time when they may have to race out to sea. No matter the churning stomach, the slamming and jarring, the adrenalin rush – they were ensuring that they would be ready when the time came for them to risk their lives for another.