Nor Height Nor Depth… Nor Sea Phase
A friend asked me this week, "What are you looking forward to about going aboard?" You see, I am on the countdown. Two more sleeps until I tuck into a ship's bunk again. This will be my second sea phase, the last practical training in my Navigation Officer program.
Seven months straight on a steel ship.
I realize my mind has been on what I'll miss. No forests with the subtle sounds of creatures, wind rustles, and the smell of rain-damp soil. No quiet walks. No family and friends, no human touch. No high speed internet, no video chat, and only occasional cell service. No retreat from engine noises, no space from constant activity.
While 2020 gave the world a taste of the isolation mariners routinely face, gaining sympathy does not diminish the endurance I need. And the "have-not" attitude does not alleviate my task-at-hand to learn the skills I need to take responsibility for a bridge watch
So what am I looking forward to? The variety of work I will see, from buoy tending to lighthouse resupply. Sailing into a 3D canvas of west coast scenery. Travelling back to familiar places on the BC coast and discovering new-to-me corners. The potential of meeting new friends. The single focus on one goal. The anticipation of family and friends and summer on the other end.
But what else, beyond the tally of positives? This past year has been one of healing and growth. I do not want that to stop. I realize unconsciously I have accepted the feeling common to mariners that my life pauses when I go to sea, that I miss out on the growth happening ashore. And realizing this, I ask myself if I believe God is sovereign to continue teaching me when the ship has cast off? Do I believe He is able to work despite isolation?
Yes, I may be separated from some of the earthly things I enjoy. But in the Lord, there is no where, no where, I can be separated from His presence, His leading, and His love.
Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139: 7-10
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8: 38-39
Friends, I will miss you doubly. Once for Covid, twice for being at sea. But I am facing the unknowns of the next seven months with anticipation that I'll see the work of the Lord. Praying this for you too, no matter the sea of isolation or unknowns you are facing.