Channel Buoys

 by Macy Johnson

“Jesus got up, rebuked the wind

and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’

Then the wind died down

and it was completely calm.”

(Mark 4:39 NIV)

 

Buoys are floating markers anchored to the bottom of a body of water. They act like road signs for boats. They mark safe channels, show hidden dangers, and give directions.

 

My husband, Jeff, and I kayaked on Clarks Hill Lake near Mistletoe State Park one August afternoon. An island in the distance lured me to explore and paddle further than I had before. We had to dodge only a few motorized vessels.

 

We passed a large black buoy and I asked Jeff what it was for. He said it was a channel marker so boaters could avoid shallow waters near the shore. I was familiar with smaller buoys that marked dangerous objects beneath the surface of the water. Clarks Hill Lake was suffering a drought and its level was seven feet below full pool.

 

I thought about the channel buoys God has put in my life. When I approach a feeling of fullness, a buoy nudges me to stop eating. When I sense offense in relationships, a buoy steers me away from that person for a while. When my finances struggle, a buoy steers me to spend less money. Speed limit signs warn me to check my car’s speedometer. When I sense my mind wandering during worship, a buoy steers me back to my heavenly Father.

 

The Holy Spirit is my Channel Buoy. I do not need to seek Him out or fear not seeing Him in the storms. He is my inner Guide, my Confidante and will lead me out of danger, away from the obstacles that pull at my life.

 

I will pay attention to the Channel Buoy in my heart. I hope you will, too!