Purposefulness

purposefulness

last year

we had a purpose —

to see if we could learn

to live on a catamaran,

maintain a boat and its systems,

embrace a sailing life,

get to know the local winds and waters and anchorages,

and engage an island culture.

and we did much of that

with a sense of success

and good satisfaction.

this year

the purpose is not so clear.

is there a new challenge?

or the same ones revisited?

it’s been hard to settle in

when what we’re here for

doesn’t yet make sense.

then, unannounced,

the sun rises up over the hillside,

it warms my back and shoulders

against the still-cool morning air

and makes the dark water sparkle,

and I am suddenly happy

in a way that requires no comprehensible purpose!

I am just here

in the world where God has put me

and grateful for those moments

that seem connected

to something beyond myself.

thursday, 19 january

2017 after epiphany
Benure's Bay, Norman Island