Watching movies is one of my favorite pastimes. Prep time involves getting settled in a comfy chair with a blanket, a television screen, and a remote to navigate viewing the film. As the music builds, I take in a scene of endless ocean while flying over the dark waters. My excitement swells as I slip into another world temporarily escaping my reality.
Then an object comes into view, something floating aimlessly in the middle of the ocean. I smile as the camera focuses in on a peculiar looking man standing on a yard of a mast holding onto a crow’s nest. He’s wearing a tricorn hat atop his dark colored hair with the breeze blowing through his long mane causing it to flit and float aimlessly. His locks are adorned with colorful beads. His facial hair is formed into the shape of a mustache, soul patch, and a goatee braided into two strands with beads on the end.
While the man takes stock of his surroundings, he grabs a rope and slides down landing in water that has been seeping into the boat. Grabbing a bucket, he scoops up water and tosses it back into the ocean as the lone sail catches the wind propelling the boat closer to his destination.
Realizing the futility of saving the boat, he stands and removes his hat to pay respect to three hanging skeletons while cruising by. The sailor then gives an amicable gesture of kinship salute as he reads the sign, PIRATES YE BE WARNED.
The story continues to unfold as I am introduced to the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow now standing erect on the crow’s nest grasping the tip of the mast. The boat now under water makes a slow approach to the wharf. Despite the fact that the sail has now disappeared beneath the murky dark water, the captain takes a step forward onto the dock and leaves the submerged boat parked at the pier.
“If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.” – Thomas Aquinas
The Pirates of the Caribbean is one of my favorite movies. Why, you ask? Despite the obstacles that the captain encounters he continues to push forward defying all the odds against him. The adventures and the people he meets along the way makes his ultimate goal exhilarating to watch as he travels to find and reclaim his lost ship, the Black Pearl.
With as many challenges that Jack Sparrow encounters, the story of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ could be about me.
At times I too feel like I’m in a makeshift of a boat barely afloat on dark murky ocean waters ill equipped to handle the turbulence of the ever-changing sea of life.
I can only imagine what it’s like to be on a sinking ship in the middle of the sea. I haven’t literally experienced that but if I were to use it as an analogy in my life today, then yes, I have encountered it many times.
I always say that the four-letter word, LIFE, brings me to places that I have yet encountered whether good or bad regardless if I want it or not.
Like Captain Sparrow, I too would love to step off this sinking ship of mine at the port and walk away. But if I did that, the boat would only be there waiting for me to deal with it when I finally came to my senses. This vessel of mine needs help. It’s time for me to get into the shipyard and assess my damage.
Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
It’s easy to feel hopeless and downhearted when multiple life circumstances come bombarding in one after another. When I think I have one situation handled another problem arises. Along with my daily obligations these multiple events are taking a toll on me. I wish I could be more like Jack Sparrow who seems to adapt and improvise to his constant chaotic world and prevails with strength to move forward to his next adventure.
I know that Captain Sparrow is just a fictional character, but there is something I can learn from his particular features.
Knowledge: Despite Jacks crazy outward appearance, this character does have a lot of knowledge tucked away in that brain of his which helps him to be nimble in decision making.
The bible has a wealth of knowledge that gives direction on how to address any circumstances. Sure, when you get hit with a situation get that bible out and read, but wouldn’t it be so much more convenient to pull a verse from your memory bank so you can navigate the problem. I think it is imperative that before a life circumstance hits that reading God’s word should be incorporated in a daily routine. Memorize verses that you can fall back onto. It’s like studying for an upcoming exam except it’s for LIFE issues that come along. In other words, keep your spiritual heart and mind ready so you can be nimble in making decisions.
Sacrifice: There are a few times when I see Jack making sacrifices to save someone else or to better his situation.
Giving up something is not easy but sometimes this is required in order to achieve a greater purpose. For me I have temporarily given up some personal time and funds to manage current situations in order to achieve a goal that has a positive outcome.
Compassion: Jack Sparrow demonstrates a compacity for kindness at times despite being somewhat egocentric.
I remember when I was interviewing for my current job, one of the interviewers asked me, “How would you describe compassion?” The question took me by surprise but made sense with the type of work I do. My answer was, “To take a moment and imagine yourself being in that person’s shoes.” In other words, make an effort to understand the other person’s situation, point of view, and feelings as if you were experiencing them yourself. Doing this helps me to step out of my ‘me’ syndrome and be aware of others.
My multiple problems made me feel like I was sinking in the middle of the ocean. The first half of this year I felt like a free-living old lady having a time of my life. But then in July I began to have some physical problems and multiple family issues arose. My skiff was getting damaged. I needed to take my sorry looking vessel into the shipyard and assess the damage. I was beginning to wonder if God thought I was having too much fun and needed to be brought back to reality.
“Why me, God.” I whined. “Why do I have to be the responsible person.” I complained. “Why is my body breaking down.” I pouted. This went on for a while like a little girl lying on the floor in a grocery store having a temper tantrum because she didn’t get what she wanted.
But like any parent taking on the full brunt of embarrassment of onlooker’s stares, God patiently waited for me to lose my steam then gently said, “Are you done? Now, let’s deal with these situations so we can move forward.”
I had to start thinking nimbly. One of those versus I memorized popped up. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” I let out a sigh as the next verse showed up on my brain screen. “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” And why did I memorize these verses? Guess God knew it would become useful like now.
Okay, I’m off the grocery store floor. I’m done with my little pity party. God, I’m ready to face my challenges, no more sinking.
“To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don’t grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead, you relax, and float.” – Alan Watts
I had to make some difficult decisions and hard sacrifices. But it’s all good now because through compassion I can see the situation more clearly as I allow God to lead me. I have a better outlook and no longer just see an endless sea of hopelessness. I’m thrilled because my ship is getting repaired and new sails are getting installed. This ship of mine is starting to make its way out of the harbor ready to tackle the ever-changing sea.
With the help of some special folks, my website will look a little different. I thought it was time that I gave it a face lift. This fall I will be introducing a new segment of my website called, ‘I Don’t Have Time for this Nonsense.’ This section will be devoted to my journey as a sixty some year-old woman who struggles with the ever changing mental, physical, and emotional problems that older women face. With my scuffles with arthritis and menopause, I am learning how to manage so that I can stay active and vibrant. I want to share with other women how to manage the beast of older age. Together let’s embrace the life God gave us, and with a spirited and dynamic attitude let’s seize the opportunities that He presents to us.
With my renewed vigor, I’m ready to forge on this continual crazy journey of mine. My ship may have been sinking but what it really needed was some repairs. Keeping my boat moored in port won’t solve any problems. Now it’s time to get back to sea and tackle the turbulent ocean like the warrior that God trained me to be. Bring it on and watch me sail!
“A ship in harbor is safe but that’s not what ships are built for.” – RADM Grace Hopper
Photo by Raimond Klavins on Unsplash
Gwen
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