Skye on Rice Creek
While at one of the Divorce Support Group meetings, I asked the members for a count of who would be attending the next social. One of the members stated that he did not feel it was a proper testimony for him to have some fun while going through the divorce journey. I was shocked, but said nothing at that time. It is quite normal for members to state that they just are not ready to socialize, but expressing fun as adverse to God’s design shocked me.
I was very fortunate to be raised by very fun and Godly parents. My father was a real outdoors man and spent as much time as possible having a good time in God’s creation. So many good talks and revelations were shared as we floated down beautiful rivers.
On one of theses floats he stated to me that Jesus must have been fun and that he felt it was part of his Christian walk to do the same. I asked him how he came to that conclusion, not ever recalling anything in Scriptures that suggested the same.
He said, “Just think about it. There are only two reasons people follow another person:
• If they fear them and their control over them.
• If they are fun to be around.”
Granted, Jesus had the most wonderful message of hope and love, yet, he had no lofty enterprise for a monetary payoff or popularity position. Therefore, he must have been enjoyable to hang around.
My dad understood that his witness to others was to reflect fun and joy in his life as a strong part of his Christian walk. He loved and enjoyed Christ and wanted to share Him by including others in his fun.
My husband and I have been able to continue my dad’s traditions of fun on the water. My dad’s favorite canoe trips were in the Spooner, Wisconsin area. When I met Skye, I learned that he was from Spooner. (God has a sense of humor as well.)
We have put together numerous kayak trips over the summers for the divorce support members. We now have over 40 boats in our group. There is so much bonding and healing occurring on these trips. Never is there a time that something humorous does not happen that offers new memories to replace shattered dreams. And most importantly, these trips reveal to non-believers that Christianity is about enjoying God and His creation even in the midst of temporary pain.
Healing comes from sharing help and love with others. We should not wait until our lives make sense again to feel and show joy. Put forth the action and let the feelings follow.
Group Kayaking Rice Creek