During this past January, we spent time in Florida, USA, with our two sons. They had brought their boat down from Canada in November. We decided that the weather looked good enough to take the boat to the Atlantic side of Florida near Cocoa Beach.

We carefully picked a launch site in the Intracoastal Waterway, making sure that it was at low tide. If we had launched at high tide, when we returned at low tide, there might not have been enough water in the channel for us to get back. Following the channel markers, we made our way out towards the Atlantic Ocean, but with no plans to go out into the open ocean.

At Cape Canaveral, we boated past all the cruise ships that were anchored in the waterway and were getting ready to leave later that afternoon. As we approached the Atlantic Ocean, we were surprised at how calm it was, and we made the decision to go out past the channel markers and wait for the rocket launch that was scheduled around supper time.

As we anchored there, we watched the cruise ships leave, and then we saw the rocket launch, which was spectacular! As we made our way back toward the place where our truck and boat trailer were parked, it began to get dark. At first, we were not too concerned about this, as the boat had lights, we knew there were channel markers all the way, and we had a GPS.

What we hadn't anticipated was that the channel markers were not lit and did not have any reflective markers on them. We knew the dangers of not being between these channel markers due to shoals and protected areas. For just over an hour in the pitch black, we slowly made our way back toward the launch spot. One son and I were at the front of the boat spotting channel markers and calling out, "Channel marker on the left" or "Channel marker on the right" to our other son who was driving, to ensure that he remained between them.

I have reflected on the life lessons of this day since we came back home. We always need to be aware of our surroundings, and even when we plan for all the details, things can go differently.

Proverbs 16:1 – We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands. (TLB)

Like boat lights picking up channel markers, how reassuring is the Word of God to point the way when we face challenges and surprises in our day. Nothing is a surprise for Jesus.

Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (NIV)

Let's endeavour to stay between the markers that God provides!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for the light that Your Word provides for us. Help us to remain between the channel markers that You have set out for our lives. Thank You for Your hand of protection in all areas of our lives. In Your name, we pray. Amen.