Many people (well Christians, as least) debate whether we as humans have free will or if everything in our lives is predestined. After listening to many different discussions I believe that the answer lies somewhere in between - that certain things in our lives are predetermined by God, but we do also have the opportunity to choose some things, to a certain extent. I know that's really vague and non-specific, but basically I've decided that I will never fully understand it, so that's the idea I hold onto without too much stress because I don't think we're really called to think about these things ad nauseum and neglect to follow Christ's teachings.
So you may be wondering, what exactly is your point in writing this blog then, Angela? Well, I will tell you. Yesterday I had a new, interesting revelation about this very subject.
*What if the resolution to the free will/predestination debate is that life is like a 2 person kayak?
Just play along with me for a second: What if we are in the front of the kayak, and God is in the back. Thus, He steers the boat and we help move it along. [See the metaphor? Boat = Life, Water = Life's Journey, 2 Person Kayak = Our Relationship With God...you trackin' w/ me?] OK so, God basically has an idea of where He wants to go and we have a front row seat, but we can always communicate with Him and ask Him about the destination or ask Him to change the direction of the kayak. And we have full reign to tell Him when we're enjoying ourselves and when we feel tired and just want to rest a few minutes and enjoy the scenery. We can always turn around and say, Hey God, You are aware that there are 2 huge yachts and a speed boat closing in on us, right?? Are we gonna do something about this? K thanks.
I like this idea. I mean, I love the idea that when the water gets super choppy and difficult to navigate through because I'm already going against the current, God is right behind me the whole time to keep steering the boat and tell me it's going to be OK. We're going to make it through this journey together. But on the other hand, I'm personally not super crazy about the fact that I honestly cannot steer this kayak on my own. Well, at least not from the front. Which means I would literally have to take God out in order to take the back seat to steer this thing on my own. But that takes too much effort, so I guess I'll learn to deal with someone else steering.
Just something to think about.
Quote(s) of the Day:
"Does this thing come with a motor?"
-Meghan Frey
"You're right. You're absolutely right. You're just floating along on the HMS Right and we're all floating around in a sea of wrong."
-Dane Cook
3 comments:
Good thoughts, and really good metaphor.
WOW Angie this is brilliant. I must admit I have taken a long vacation away from the blogoshpere and I highly regret it! I like the part about not understanding everything and being okay with it. That's what I'm cool with. I don't think I can handle day to day life on top of understanding God. Phew, I'm glad he knows what's up.
Angie, this is one of the best metaphors I've ever heard. Seriously.
Thanks for sharing it, it made me think and is really reassuring.
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