One day he got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So they set sail, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A squall blew over the lake, and they were taking in water and were in danger. They came and woke him saying, “Master, master, we are perishing!” He awakened, rebuked the wind and the waves, and they subsided and there was a calm.
Luke 8:22-24
What is in your life boat?
Everyone has at least one major storm in their life and if you haven’t, I really want to be your best friend.
Some of these storms are rough. They beat our boat up, pushing and rocking it. And when the waters start to pour in, we look around to see what is in the boat with us to help save us from the inevitable- the great sinking.
I’m beginning to think that my life may never be absent of some kind of trial or struggle. Some may consider that a bad thing and some days I’m right there too. But in actuality, although some are fairly difficult, each teaches me something, a reliance on God and the tools He gives me in my survival kit.
Recently, I’ve felt like the wind and the rain have been coming from all directions. The planks were ripping away from the boat and it was taking in a lot of water. I was sinking.
What did I have in my boat?
There in my life boat, I found a few things.
Adoration
I went to adoration to pour out my heart in the presence of the Lord. Seeking out Jesus in prayer is a must in my life boat. It not only grounds me but gives me sustenance to keep my head above the water.
Support line
I needed someone to help me bail the water out. I called a very dear friend who I knew would provide a generous ear as she had done so many times before. No judgement, no unsolicited advice, just a listening ear and a prayer before our conversation ended.
Confession
Not one I typically tend to pull out but one I needed. As Father gave me counsel and my penance, I felt he had a direct view of my heart. He knew what was weighing on it and how to release what was constricting the blood flow of life.
Each of these items that I pulled out of my life boat gave me strength to face my situation and see Jesus in the midst of it. It didn’t completely repair the boat but it did prevent me from sinking and filled me with hope.
Although I have other items in my life boat, such as receiving the Eucharist, that have come to my rescue, these were the ones I pulled out to assist me this time.
Prayer, good counsel and the Sacraments are vital survival tools for our life boats. I invite you to take an inventory of what’s in your life boat.
Have you filled it with the necessary tools God has given you to rely on Him when your next storm rolls in and your boat begins to take in water?
Women Who Walk By Faith 
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