Locks taking us further

I grew up in Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario, and we often went to St.Catharines to shop, and my Dad worked in  Thorold. In order to get to those cities we had to cross the Welland canal. This waterway links Lake Ontario to Lake Erie and the rest of the Great Lakes. It is an important trade route because taking the Niagara River would lead to a disastrous trip over Niagara Falls. Today's blog is not about trade, or the geography of Niagara, or even reminiscing on my childhood.

No, today is more about the Locks that are spaced throughout the Welland Canal. The canal enables ships to bypass  the river, but it is the locks that allow the ships to go up to Lake Erie or down to Lake Ontario in an orderly fashion. While these great vessels are in the canal there is not much freedom for movement, and while in the lock itself the ship can't move at all, and yet it is while in these locks that the ships move up to greater heights.

Think of the application this makes on our own life. These ships have a time to be filled, as do we. There is a time for the ships to unload their cargo, which also is important to us in helping serve others. There are times of rough seas, and times when there is clear open ocean. But, today lets think again about the canals and locks. Sometimes in life it is when there seems to be nothing going on that are actually pathways to new places in our life. These ships could not reach new destinations without patiently enduring the slow, process of entering and exiting the locks.

Another note to make about canals and locks is that often a captain may have to give up control of his ship to a pilot who is familiar with that particular waterway. There are times where we have to allow the "master pilot" to steer the ship for us. It's not to say that a captain couldn't steer the ship well enough to get through the course, but that the pilot knows exactly how it should be done, and how long it should take. So, when you find yourself having what seems to be a slow time in your journey called life, it may well be that God is wanting to pilot you through a specific course that will lead you to new ports and destinations that you can't even see. Don't even think of doing things the 'natural' way, as that would lead to disaster like crashing over the falls or wrecking on the rapids. Allow God to lead you, and listen for His still, small, voice. It may seem a painfully slow time, and only a few people have the ability to really relinquish control of their lives to others easily. But, it is comforting to note that thousands of ships have passed through the Welland canal with very few accidents. It is even more comforting to know that millions of other pilgrims have journeyed with God along the paths we walk. The Lord is not a task-master, but He is a wonderful master to serve.

Why am I bloggng?

Why am I taking the opportunity to blog? One reason is because of the encouragement I receive from other individuals who blog . I am currently on a parental leave, and have a tiny bit more time. But, the main reason, I think, is to send out thoughts that will challenge people to think, or help people to grow.

That's it for now. I have a two-year old on my lap who needs a little attention before I head to the BBQ.