#kayaking – rootedbythewater.blog

Lessons from a kayak outting

September 25, 2025September 25, 2025Leave a Comment

Our “turning point”: Atlantic Ocean to the right and Intercoastal Waterway to the left.

I love when you can find Bible principles in hobbies you enjoy. Today I used kayaking as an illustration for the Bible verses I shared. Wednesdays find me helping with a low income and homeless ministry where we feed the people and I give a short devotion. It’s an honor to be a part of this ministry. I aim to show compassion and transparency, being mindful that none of us are perfect. I demonstrate a need for God’s strength in a daily way. We all have different circumstances, however we can encourage each other, especially through the Bible.

Recently I came across a post on social media that was talking about what makes a boat sink. It’s not the water around the boat, but the water that gets inside the boat, that weighs it down. That made me think of our kayaking outting last Friday. My friend Leasa and I took kayaks out on the coastal canal and intercoastal waterway. Before we set off, we checked the kayaks for water that was inside. Turning the kayaks long way up and unplugging to release internal water, before plugging them again.

For some reason I knew there was a Bible principle there. I texted my friend Amy and told her I was looking for a Bible reference and explained what I was thinking. She referred me to Hebrew 12:1 which says, ”Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin that clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (ESV). Sin can be like water in a kayak. Sin can weigh us down. One sin can lead to another and before you know it you are spiritually drowning. Sins cling to us, kind of like bad habits. We need Jesus forgiveness and strength to say no to sin.

I went back to the kayaking illustration. Once we were paddling along the canal we had to “keep our eye on the goal”. At the end of the canal we would turn a left corner and head back along the Intercoastal Waterway. On the canal we had to paddle hard against the tide. We had to “look beyond” the momentary resistance of the tide and remember the “turning point” was ahead, way ahead. Life is like that. We have to keep our spiritual eyes on Jesus, enduring the momentary circumstances and hardships we find ourselves in. As Christians, this world is not our home. We keep our eyes focused on Jesus, who will strengthen us and see us through this journey called life. I continued with Hebrews 12:2. “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (ESV‬‬) I explained how Jesus endured the cross, knowing what was coming, He looked beyond it to the joy that was before Him. He knew He was providing redemption for all mankind. He was making a way for us to be with Him forever with The Father, through His sacrifice on the cross. We too, must look beyond our hardships towards the prize to which we are called. I encouraged everyone to keep their eyes on Jesus and if they didn’t know Jesus, we’d be happy to pray with them.

I love this opportunity to serve each week. Ron and I were talking on the drive there today. I told him a lot of people won’t take the time for low income and homeless people but they are worthy of compassion and kindness too. Showing compassion toward the vulnerable expresses a faith that is genuine. James 1:27 emphasizes this point. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (ESV‬‬). So thankful for this opportunity to serve. I encourage you to look for a ministry, church or organization to serve others. As we serve the least of these, we in turn are serving the Lord. Your heart will swell with joy as you minister comfort to others.

Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing! You are loved!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com.

Calculating the Tides

September 18, 2025September 18, 2025Leave a Comment

Today was a different kind of day at the beach. Everyday this week we have gone to the beach and just sat for hours talking, feeding seagulls and soaking up the sun. Today Leasa and I took the kayaks out in the canal. We looked at the tide chart trying to decide the best time to go. Paddling against the tide can be very tiring so we wanted to choose wisely the timing of going. High tide is the easiest time to go but high tide was around 6:00 pm which was a little bit late. We decided to try between low and high tide.

This was my first kayaking outing this year. However I didn’t bring the old cochlear implant processor I use for water activities so I heard nothing while we were out on the water today. I prefer to be able to hear boats and even yelling if my friend is trying to get my attention. She did try to get my attention but I didn’t notice. I told her to stick her paddle up in the air if she wanted to tell me something and I would paddle towards where she was. I can’t see real far but I can a paddle sticking up in the air. We were against the tide half of our course which was a bit tiring. I told her we could turn around if she wanted, but we decided to go for it and reach the turning point. The way back was much easier. At one point she was ahead of me going through the tall grasses in the marsh. I saw the rope from the back of her kayak in the water and grabbed it, slightly hindering her progress. 😂 I was cracking up paddling behind her. It was so much fun.

Our half way point with the ocean in the distance.

Returning to the house, we met up with our other friend Lisa Jane and went on a coastal nature hike. That was very interesting and beautiful. There were signs telling the wildlife in the area and the history. Once again we had to be aware of the tide. A couple was finishing as we were starting off and they warned us to stay on the right trail. The tide waters had covered the left trail. We saw on foot how far we had kayaked, since we walked to the point where we had turned the kayaks back towards the house. It seemed longer on foot than on water. When we were returning on our nature hike, the tide had come in some more and we walked a short portion in a puddle. It was a fun way to see the nature in the area, both by water and on foot.

One of the nature trail signs explaining the moons influence on the tides.

Leasa, Lisa and me at the end of the nature trail and the point where we turned the kayaks around on the water.

Tomorrow we will have a regular beach day, sitting by the ocean and soaking up the sun. This has truly been such a relaxing trip and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to just relax with friends and enjoy nature from a coastal perspective. There are all the “attractions” of the beach with shops, shows and museums but taking time to enjoy the natural side of the coast is refreshing.

All photo credits by Leasa P. Be blessed!

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Well…Scratch that!

May 20, 2024Leave a Comment

Kayaking the Catawba last year on a “low river” day

Safety first! Sometimes you have to scratch your plans to stay safe. We have not yet taken our kayaks out this year but were planning to kayak on the Catawba River this week and see the Spider lilies. I texted my friend today to see if we were still on to go. She said her husband had friends who were flipped out twice last week on the swollen river rapids. Yikes! I know when I die, I will see Jesus but I don’t intend to speed up God’s timetable.

Out of curiosity, I got on Facebook to chat with some people on the “Kayaking in South Carolina”
Group. I love this group of people. They are knowledgeable and share tips and experiences. Sure enough, some people had kayaked through the lilies this year but with the recent rains they said it was “treacherous”. They suggested waiting until next year and hope it’s better. We are bummed but respect the conditions. Besides I had a really weird dream last night. In part of the dream I was on a wooden rowing boat like thing. It reminded me of something from The Flintstones cartoon. I was somehow speeding down a pier on that wooden rowing device, as if sledding down ice. Speeding into the water, I ended up with helicopter rescue. What a wild and crazy dream! So it’s safe to say, we will skip the Catawba River spider lilies this year and have a nice paddle at Lake Wylie instead.

That’s the thing about having an adventurous spirit, you have to know your abilities, your limitations, the weather conditions and element conditions. We will wait and see about next year. We have seen the Spider lilies from shore before. It’s a gorgeous sight. Hopefully one day we will see them from our kayaks.
Our adventures will continue but we will take a safer course of action.

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Crossover in sight

December 28, 2023December 28, 2023Leave a Comment

Many of my blog cover pictures from this year.

Just a few more days and 2023 will be behind us. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a fresh new year. At the beginning of 2023 God dropped the word “soar” in my heart. At the time I had no clue why. Honestly, I’m still not quite sure. The year did seem to SOAR by. It seems like it just started and here we are near 2024.

2023 was a year of growth. God has worked with me on overcoming some fears. I will get to that in a minute. Getting feedback from my husband Ron, I evidently have grown in the area of peace. There is peace in my heart even though life is full of uncertainties. At the end of the day, I am confident in who holds my future and I can say 100% that God is faithful and so so GOOD!

About overcoming some fears, I’m learning more and more that I can trust God with everything. Everything can range from family health issues, fear of inadequacies, frustrations with our culture and how to live a life of humility. The list goes on. I’d like to share two key things I learned this year. There’s a big third but some things involve others and I respect their desire for confidentiality.

Late in the Spring, Ron bought us two “sit on top” kayaks. This was such a surprise that he agreed to buy us two. He is not yet a “Kayak lover” but I have hope. We are only about five or six miles from the nearby lake. Since we used to have a SeaDoo, I’m familiar with the water and area. I feel comfortable as I sort of know my way around.

Truth be told, there is an adventure element because my vision is 20/400. Yes you read that right. BUT I can see enough to do it and I love the water. Respecting the challenges, dangers, my limitations, the unknown and being willing to learn is all part of it. I started out on a two seater kayak but I wanted to be free. Being on a one seater with my limitations is pressing it, but God has given me a sound mind to approach the adventure with sound judgement.

I finally got Joshua, our 25 year old son to go with me. He thought he was going to wear me out, but he was in for a surprise, as my endurance gave him a “run for his money”. He also has a vision problem, however his is not nearly as bad as mine. I let him decide on our destination. He remembered an island way out in the lake, back from when we used to SeaDoo. So we set off. We didn’t know how far it was. All we knew was the general direction. We paddled and paddled for quite a while. Getting a bit tired, I finally told him if we didn’t see the island or reach it within 30 minutes, we would turn around. 30 minutes later we had almost reached the island. Talking about a huge accomplishment. We got out of the kayaks at the island and swam around for a bit and rested. Then we had to paddle all the way back. What an adventure! Perseverance , courage, stamina and sheer will to finish what we started. We made a goal and reached it!

The next big challenge to overcome came about in August. My Bible study group had decided to break over the summer and pick back up in September. Our leader got involved in a small group at her church and told us we could go ahead. I was totally stunned when the girls asked me to lead. I agreeded to try but inside I was like, “Lord are you kidding me? I can’t see the book. How in the world am I supposed to do this?” Truth be told I still feel that way. I know my limitations and God knows His power to work in them. I gave in and let Him have His way. I can’t but God can. I oftentimes feel so inadequate. There is a saying, God does not call the quipped, He equips the called. Wow. Boy am I a testament to that. I’m not saying I’m called, but I have definitely made my inadequate self available. We are going to pick back up in January. I can’t wait to see what God has in store.

The third thing I mentioned which I can’t fully disclose but I can share vaguely. It’s been the latter part of the year. Some experiences we had never faced. God has taught me to trust Him more. He has impressed upon me humility. Putting others before myself even if it costs me. Listening even though it wears me slap out with not hearing very well with my cochlear implant processor. That’s something I hope to get right in 2024. 2023 was not a good hearing year, probably due to menopause and hormonal changes. Who knows. I’m not going to worry about it. I’ve learned to say, God this is all I have, help me to make it be all it needs to be. I can’t hear but I can listen and I’ve done a whole lot of that this year. Listen to others needs and pray, pray and pray some more. God has taught me to speak wisdom over situations and trust Him. So it’s definitely been a year of growth, which has soared in some ways.

Im thankful that God still allows me to put into writing the many things He continues to teach me. I have continued to blog each week during this year. Ron got me a real keyboard that magnetically attaches to my iPad. It makes blogging so much easier to be able to “feel” the keys as I type. Me and touch screens don’t get along. To date there have been 5,210 views. Here are my end of the year stats for blogging. This is post #60 for this year. That’s 40.9K words this year, averaging around 693.4 words per post, reaching countries round the world but mostly in the USA. This is no reason for pride but simple gratitude. I could not do it without God. I wouldn’t even want to try.

God has not yet given me a word for 2024. I’m not sure if He will. I do know I will continue to strive to be empty so He can fill and use me in whatever way He desires. As we bring 2023 to a close I can say it is well with my soul. I will wrap this up with Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (NLT‬‬)

At this point in life if a song could show my testimony I would choose It is well by Bethel Music. I will attach the YouTube music video with lyrics below. Be blessed and Happy New Year. May you experience the love of Jesus like never before.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God.

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Fall Family kayak venture

October 9, 2023Leave a Comment

Ron, me and Joshua kayaking at Lake Wylie.

A couple of days ago my husband Ron and son Joshua humored me by agreeing to a Fall afternoon of kayaking. We had not seen Joshua in over a week but he had the day off and agreed to join us. I was so excited; a few hours doing one of my favorite things with my favorite guys.

This was our first time going as a family. I had gone with Ron once and had gone with Joshua once, but since we just have two kayaks we borrowed one from a friend. It was a beautiful sunny Fall day with a slight breeze. This may have been our last paddle of the season because the next night temperatures dipped down into the 40’s.

How can I describe the sheer joy and happiness those few hours brought me? Being on the water is so relaxing, especially when there aren’t many boats out. The beauty of nature with the sun shining and breeze tickling my skin makes me smile from my heart. What a feeling! The sky was reflecting off the calm water. We didn’t talk that much out on the water. I did wear my old cochlear implant processor though. We would paddle a ways then pull together for a water break and to chat a bit.

I found out later that neither of them had wanted to go but they both knew how much I love it and they wanted to do it for me. I am thankful for these two. Joshua has grown up and Ron has been having some health issues over the summer. Relaxing times with just the three of us doesn’t happen often but it sure did bring joy to my heart and they both ended up having a good time. I do believe they will do it again next season. I think the trick to drawing them will be finding new interesting places to explore and catching Joshua when he’s not busy.

Live in the moment and cherish times spent with those you love. Tomorrow is not promised. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

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Paddling the Catawba

August 23, 2023August 24, 2023Leave a Comment

What a fun adventurous morning with friends kayaking down the Catawba River. My friend Leasa and I had been wanting to kayak on the river side of the Wylie Dam. Today was the day. We met our friend Tami and her husbandTerry, bright and early at the dam.

It was a perfect clear sunny morning, only about 73 degrees with a light breeze. Leasa and Tami took one truck to the stopping point down the river. Terry and I paddled around for about 45 minutes until the other two came back. It’s been a while since it’s rained and the water was low. I didn’t realize how rocky it was out there until I was out in the middle of the river. Kayaking with my low vision is a little bit tricky. Being the first one on the water, it was slightly unnerving to realize I could not see where I had gotten in and noticed all the rocks. Oh Lord have mercy and where was Terry? I didn’t see him at first but then I saw his red kayak and thank God it was red. I can see that color better.

Once Terry was close by, I explained I was wearing my old cochlear implant processor. I can’t hear well with it but I can hear some. I could hear water coming over the dam but couldn’t really see it. He told me to follow him. He was my GPS/ navigation system around the rocks. I stayed out of trouble following him. There is just something about the water and being in nature. It was simply peaceful.

Tami and Leasa finally got back and we all set off down the river. Tami and Leasa would tell me different things we were passing. Tami spotted a few turtles and Leasa spotted a bird. There was even an outdoor church setting along the river. They warned me when more rocks were coming up and I would paddle behind then. Down the river, over the rocks, through a few rapids and under two bridges we went. I did run into a few rocks and it made me laugh out loud. I had so much fun.

Photo credit Terry Peoples

It is neat to know a little bit of the areas history. The Catawba Indians used to trade along the river. There is a really nice paved walking trail called River Walk right beyond where we got out. There are a few signs that tell you the history of the Indians in the area.

I’m thankful for a fun experience with friends today. Great friends who are mindful of your limitations and want you to experience all the aspects of fun times are true gems. God has blessed me with quite a few and I am forever grateful. I can’t wait until our next adventure. So thankful Tami’s husband came along to make sure we girls stayed safe on the river. Leasa somehow managed to fall out of the kayak when she hit some rocks but Terry helped her. Tami and I completely missed her spill. Too bad it’s not on video. Until next time…..

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Kayaking adventure with Joshua

July 19, 2023Leave a Comment

It’s a rare week when I publish three blogs but this is one of those. This is so worth sharing. I have always cherished quality time spent with our son Joshua. At every age we have found some mom / son activities to do together. From racing big wheels and tricycles, trampoline games, swimming in the ocean, riding rides at Carowinds, climbing rock walls, four wheeling, jet skiing, zip lining and now kayaking. We’ve found something at every age to enjoy together. Many times my husband Ron has joined us but sometimes it’s just me and Joshua. Now that he’s 25, it doesn’t happen very often. Quality time spent with your kids is one of the best investments you will ever make.

Recently I asked him to check his schedule to see when we could plan a kayaking day at the lake. Yesterday was the day and I was so excited. We packed up the trailer with all we would need: kayaks, paddles, snacks, water and life jackets. Ron dropped us off at Nivens Landing around 3:00 and we said we would be a few hours. Joshua would call when we were back.

It was a beautiful but hot day with a slight wind. The water was a little more choppy than when Ron and I went last week. I told Joshua I would go anywhere on the lake he wanted to go. He remembered an island we used to stop at when we had our jet ski years ago and wanted to try to find it. I agreed to trying to find the island. We just needed to take water breaks to stay hydrated. We would paddle a good distance, then stop for water., rest, talk then take off again. He signed, “You can’t hear me can you?” I told him I was wearing my old cochlear implant processor and could still hear him. At 4:20 we were still trying to find the island. I suggested continuing until 5. If we didn’t find it by then we would turn around and head back. At exactly 5 we reached the island. I was so glad to see that little beach. Two pontoon boats had also stopped. Josh explored the island while I rested. We talked and swam a bit then called Ron to tell him where we were. He was shocked. We had gone a long way and now we had to paddle back. We retracted the way we had come but went long ways over more open water to attempt shortening the return trip. Josh would ask, “Are we where you and dad stopped before?” I called out, “No that’s way down there”. I said , “Lord I could use a little breeze from behind. You know like a nice push.” Josh would stop and ask how I was doing. I was ok just getting tired. When we were about thirty minutes from where we got in, Josh called Ron to meet up with us. I was so thankful to see Nivens Landing. Josh said now I knew what to expect when going kayaking with him. We will definitely go again. Best time spent with my favorite young man. We aimed for a goal, the island and made it there and back. Laughed, talked and just enjoyed the time spent together. So thankful! Until our next adventure.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. Speaking engagements are always welcome. It God opens a door, He will give me what’s needed to walk through it. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

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He freed the “Bird”

July 12, 2023Leave a Comment

Smiling BIG as I type this blog. Most people probably won’t get it, but that’s okay. I live with low vision and hearing issues and it can be confining. You might be wondering, how so? Since I can’t see far I am limited in independence. When I want to go somewhere I have to wait until it’s convenient for someone else. My family and friends are great but I don’t really like to ask. I’ve learned to be content. Sure, there is Uber but you need to know the make of cars and see the license plates. I couldd just envision myself getting in the wrong car, so I will pass on that idea. I’m not sharing this for pity or anything like that. I’ve learned to appreciate what’s important in life and be content. It can seem confining though, almost like a “bird in a large cage”. That gets me back to my BIG smile.

A few years ago I rediscovered kayaking while at the beach with some friends. I learned as a kid at camp. At the beach we kayaked in the intercostal waterway in both a two person kayak and a one person kayak. Both are fun but I love the adventure and independence of being on my own. I can see enough to do it. Sure I have to be cautious, but that’s part of the fun.

A few weeks ago, my husband Ron bought us two Pelican sit on top kayaks. I was so excited and couldn’t wait to try them out. Early last evening we took them out to Lake Wylie and he set me free! Have you ever smiled so deeply it was from your heart? I laughed and smiled and laughed some more. I paddled ahead of him, lost sight of him and circled back until I found him again. ( He could see me.) He even enjoyed it and wants to go again. Our son Joshua said he wanted to go with me soon. It was pure bliss to be free on the water with the sun setting and the beauty of Gods creation. I wore my old Niada cochlear implant processor so I could hear any approaching boats, then I would watch the water for wakes. It worked out great! It feels like Christmas in July. So thankful that my husband wants me to experience what I enjoy and do it with me. Here’s to hopefully many more adventures.

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My Ubers on the water ~ A maiden voyage

June 14, 2023Leave a Comment

Amazed at the beauty of the lake (Photo credit Leasa P)

Yesterday I FINALLY got to try out the “new to me” kayak. Someone gave me a used Equinox 12.0T two person kayak back in April and I’ve been waiting patiently for someone to go with me. Not knowing the ins and outs of this particular kayak, I wanted someone who knew the sport to come along. Yesterday was the day.

My friends Tami and Leasa were my “Ubers on the water”. With my low vision and hearing combination it’s safer for me to go in the two seater. Tami and her husband have gone for years so we wanted her to come along for our “trial maiden voyage”. I bought life jackets and whistles. Weather was perfect and very few boaters, so all went fairly well.

We put the kayaks in at Nivens Landing in Tega Cay and paddled down to the dam on the south end of Lake Wylie: part of the Catawba River basin. I remember this stretch of the lake pretty well. We used to sea-doo in that area for years. I saw houses that I called “landmarks” to me simply because I could see them and it helped me to know where I was on the lake. We also passed a small island that I had completely forgotten. Tami and Leasa saw a big bird at the top of one tree on the island. There must have been a nest up there. Oh the treasure they have of good vision.

As we got closer to the dam we could feel the suction of the water. I’m assuming the dam was opened .We decided to turn around and head back toward where we got in. Once we reached Nivens Landing, Tami was surprised at the amount of water in our kayak. In her one seater, holes go straight through the kayak and are not plugged. In my two seater all the plugs were in. I’m assuming as water got in from paddling or wakes, there was no place for it to drain out. The thought of that is slightly unnerving and paddling without any plugs in is downright intimidating. We will try it again on the other side of the dam that is popular for tubing and kayaking and decide whether to keep it or not. I’m going to do some research.

It is such a joy to be out on the water. I always feel so close to God in His beautiful creation. Being mindful of my limitations, I watch the surface of the water for wakes and know when engine powered vessels are passing. I also wore my old Niada cochlear implant processor. It doesn’t work well but I can hear some voices and environmental sounds with it. Of course I could also smell gas when boats and jet skis passed by. With my low vision and hearing, I use every bit of the working senses I have so I can enjoy the treasure of nature.

Truth be told, having to go in a two seater makes me feel like a “bird in a cage”. ( Perhaps that should be my next blog topic. You would be surprised at how confining limitations can be.) Going with a partner, I have to match the paddling, speed and direction. Yesterday I just copied Leasa’s paddling and knew which direction she wanted to go. Going solo I would be free!

Today my husband Ron and I looked at some one seaters. We wanted to see the drainage holes and compare the weights. So many pros and cons. As we research we will find the best fit. I believe I have found a hobby that I truly enjoy. Now if I could just get Ron onboard. He prefers things with engines. I’m thankful friends enjoy going and there is always hope Ron will eventually like it. This girl can dream.

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Adventure on the water

May 22, 20234 Comments

Yesterday I returned home from a week away at the beach with some great friends. While the whole week was wonderful, our last full day was by far my favorite. Leasa and Lisa Jane went to the beach but Tami and I went kayaking in the canal and waterway.

There is something about kayaking that soothes me. I find myself so relaxed out on the water. It’s like I was made to be out there. THe last time I went kayaking was a couple of years ago. I have never gone wearing my cochlear implant processor. My Advanced Bionics Marvel processor is far too expensive to risk losing in the water. However I packed one of my old processors that has old technology. Since I can still hear some with it, I brought it along and I’m so glad I did.

Let me just say, the sounds of the water and wind were like soothing music. I listened as the paddle sliced through the water and came up dripping before slicing through again with the next rhythmic paddle motion. The weather was perfect, partly cloudy with a light breeze. The tide was in the process of going out. As Tami and I started out, the outgoing tide kind of helped us along. However on the return the tide was against us.

Before we set out I told Tami I would follow her because I was sure boaters were out and we would pass under a bridge where people sometimes fish. With my low vision I didn’t want to get entangled in someone’s fishing line or be someone’s “catch of the day”. I could hear her some with my old processor but couldn’t see her sign language. If I wanted to talk I’d extend my paddle and she would pull me over. When you have limitations like me, you have to come up with a system that works. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

With the outgoing tide we found ourselves in some very shallow spots. At one point we got out and pulled the kayaks to deeper water before setting off again. Some of the boats got stuck until the tide rose again. Tides are tricky. You have to prepare carefully or you might get stuck or face paddling against it.

Truth be told, as I was paddling along my thoughts went to spiritual things. The end of Genesis 1:2 came to my mind, “…. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (NKJV) I feel so close to God in His beautiful creation. There isn’t the constant bombardment of distractions. Deep calls to deep and His voice abounds if we listen closely.

As I sit here reflecting, I sense some life lessons to pass along. Although paddling can be tiresome, if you get caught up in the wonder of the beauty it is so rewarding. Sometimes you need more than sight. A strong sense of direction will keep you going even when you can’t fully see what lies ahead. Have faith in the one who directs you. When we put our hope in Jesus He is going to see us safely through to our destination. In life we will occasionally get “stuck” and find ourselves going againt a strong current. At these times God brings people along to help us along the way. We all have strengths and weaknesses and we can use them to bless each other. Always pray for guidance before setting out. Our friend Leasa prayed for us before we set out.

I think I have discovered one of my potential favorite hobbies in kayaking. Someone gave us a two seater this Spring and I can’t wait to try it out. Hopefully my husband and some friends will enjoy it like me and be my eyes out on the water. We will see! Hopefully many more kayaking experiences are in my future. I’m so thankful for the life lessons learned along the way and sensitivity to God’s gentle whisper in His beautiful creation.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!