The Storms Of life

The Storms of Life

You are in the company of, Jesus and some of the disciples walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. It is a beautiful sunny day just the gentlest of breezes, you can feel it caress your face. There is the scent of the sea air and the slightest taste of salt. The conversation is light and good humoured. As you walk, soak in the view, feel the sand beneath your feet. Any cares you may have had, feel them fall away as you walk along the shore.........................

As you progress you see a boat pulled up onto the shore. You watch as some of the disciples begin to push it into the water, as the water reaches knee high they jump int the front of the boat and grasp hold of the oars lying on the lower deck. You join the two at the back of the boat and help to push it out into the sea. Feel the water as it comes against your legs, you hold onto the side of the boat and pull yourself into it......................

The boat is now fully afloat, everybody is now aboard. One of the disciples sets the sail and one takes charge of the tiller. As the sail rises you can hear the wind as it gathers in the sail and the boat begins to move without the aid of the oars which are pulled aboard...................

You watch as Jesus makes his way to fore of the boat and puts a straw palliasse against the front. He settles down and rests his head. All seemed relaxed, and you also feel the pleasure of this moment feeling the gentle movement of the boat as the sails in harmony with the winds moves it gently forward. You can hear the waves along the side of the boat as it glides over the water...................

You feel relaxed and a real sense of pleasure fills your mind. The sun is on your face and you are at one with nature and your companions................

As you look to the fore of the boat you notice that Jesus is now fast asleep in spite of the humorous banter that is passing between the disciples. It is a wonderful carefree feeling you do not have one single care...........

After some time you feel that the boat is now leaning more to the side and picking up speed. The wind gets stronger and the boat leans even more to the starboard side. Huge dark clouds begin to block out the sky...............

The wind from a gentle breeze begins to become a roaring gale, the boat is now very noticeably heaving and rolling in the water..............

There is a flash across the sky followed almost instantly with a thunderous clap of noise..........

The disciples, seasoned sailors, are beginning to show some signs of being concerned and afraid the peaceful scene is no more............

In such a situation you would feel fear............. You can see the fear on the faces of the others......... You are aware of this sense of fear within yourself and you feel utterly helpless, there is nothing, not a single thing you can do.............

You watch as two of the disciples' clamour to the fore of the boat where Jesus still lies sleeping oblivious to all that is going on............ One of them reaches down and puts his hand on his shoulder and shakes him awake........ There sounds like a note of anger as you hear him shout at Jesus, "How can you lie there sleeping do you not care about what happens to us?" You watch and are very aware of your emotions.................

Jesus stands, he turns towards you and looks at each of you in turn. Feel his eyes as they meet yours.................

He turns away and looks forward over the prow of the boat.......... You hear him speak. he says something about being still.  You are not at all sure who or what he is talking to............ Are his words directed at you and the disciples?   Are they directed towards the sea and the waves?...............

Jesus turns back his attention is now directed and the group of you as he speaks. "Why are you so afraid? Have you no faith? What harm will you come to?".............

Almost as suddenly as the storm had arisen it begins to calm......... Jesus walks from the front of the boat to where you are, stops beside you and kneels laying his hand on your shoulder.............

He speaks to you, those eyes penetrate your very being............ "Do not be afraid he says to you.".....................

He looks at you again, "What is it that you are afraid of? "................

In the silence of the moment. Be aware of the fears you have.............. Each of us carries fears with us through life......  Open yourself to those fears even now............

Be honest with yourself now about the things that make you feel anxious............

Be open with yourself about the fears you hold for tomorrow...............

Consider the fears you have for those you care about..............

As you do this, feel those fears being removed from your inner being, be aware of them being replaced with a gentle feeling of calm.................

Allow at the deepest level of your being to hear the words calm your fears and worries........... "be still and know."...........  Fear not tomorrow..........   Let tomorrow take care of itself.............. Let go of things that have gone before that are no longer in your control............ Feel the calm of the moment and go with the flow of the day......... As if you were in the gentle rocking boat with the sun on your skin feel at one with all things..........

Let the inner peace calm your every fibre......... Go in Peace.