“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” ~Deuteronomy 31:8

The weather was beautiful- a perfect day to go boating.

My children had never been boating before- let alone tubing, but today was the day. Our friends invited us out for an eventful afternoon of wind-seeking and water-splashing adventure -we were thrilled to live it up.

Our son was first to go – he nodded excitedly as the “Captain” explained the hand motions of tubing. “Thumbs up if you want to go faster, O.K. hand gesture if you want to live right there, and cut throat if you want to stop.”

Got it?
Got it.

Away our son fell into the tube with his bigger-than-life -vest on and an anticipatory smile that became infectious to the entire crew.

And off we went. A jerk of the rope and watchful eyes.

His thumb was sky-high, that smile was glued on, it was smooth and speedy sailing the entire time.

After about 15 mins, our daughter asked if she could have a turn. So, we cut throat and reeled our son in and sent out our youngest on her way.

Again, a jerk of the rope, watchful eyes, a huge smile and off we went.

Thumb up.

I sat next to the “Captain” and giggled “She still has her thumb up, she wants to go faster.” He replied, “Oh, I know she does but there are some boats up ahead making some waves – I don’t want her to get knocked off, I’m going to keep it right here.”

I turned my head back to her and smiled adoringly.  Her grimacing water-sprayed face and her little thumb sticking up, just waiting for more speed upon request. However, that request was not going to be fulfilled.

Easy, girl. We’re going to live right here for now. “The Captain” sees something you do not.

Amazing how God speaks to us when we least expect it.

I wonder how many times I’ve had my thumbs up and ready to go, while God- seeing something that I couldn’t , said “No. Live right here.”

But, he answered that prayer for others? I don’t understand.

I bet that’s exactly how our daughter felt when saw her brother go before her and had smooth sailing with this thumbs-up request answered.

I wonder how many times I’ve been disappointed when I see other’s prayers being answered, but my prayers weren’t, only to have been protected by the hands of my Lord… my Captain, who promises to go before me.