I have to admit, this post I started on transit, but because my body apparently finds "motoring boat" to be the most soothing thing ever, I slept the entire time I wasn't on watch. After a few weeks (or longer) of insomnia (more on that later), this was a welcome change and one that I did not fight. So I finished the end of this post, leaving the original half intact. I knew what I wanted to say anyway.
"I never thought about it, but the expression, 'sea glassy calm' makes no sense. Unless you mean glass that is always moving, shifting, changing-or just glass with ripples. Neither favorable for mirrors.
Just saying.
On my last few transits, I've seen some beautiful seas. Once, the starboard side looked like a black and white photo from the Harry Potter world-always moving-with the light coming down in a way that reminded me of a Fantasia number. The port side was blue, bright and clear and looked like the stereotypical ocean shots that you want to frame. It was a beautiful day.
Today, I'm reminded again of how beautiful the ocean is. But getting ready for transit, preparing to bob around on my favorite quirky ketch, reminds me how small I am in the grand scheme of things.
I'm reminded of a Calvin and Hobbes strip I attatched below...
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| Oh Calvin. You're so silly. |
I love this comic, because it's kind of true, and, as a historian, I can laugh at the problems in my field.
As a historian, I'm to look at the small picture. How things affect people, land and animals and how those interactions affect things and what happens as a result.
But, the thing I think can be missed (and is often missed) is looking at the big picture. Seeing how all the small things fit together. Frankly, that's more fun, rewarding and useful,
Yes, useful. Pardon my soapbox here, but history is very useful. True, it was written by the winners and a lot of it needs to be taken with a grain of salt, but if you look at history, literature of the time and popular culture, you'll get a much clearer picture. If we don't know our past, we are doomed to repeat it.
So how does a historian do on a boat? A tall ship?
Because tallships are all about the big picture-making sure the little pictures are lined up and fit, then stepping back and going, "OK. How is that going to affect what happens daily on this boat? How will it affect my crew mates?" And then doing what needs to be done.
Because the ocean is terrifying. Awesome, beautiful, and teeming with life.
But terrifying.
And I think that there's nothing like the ocean, like motoring north on a ketch, to remind a girl how big, great and awesome her God is. And powerful.
I've probably written this before, but I'll write it again. Three of my favorite stories in Scripture, three of my top five I-wish-Id-been-there moments involve water. Jesus calming the storm, Peter walking to Jesus and Moses parting the Red Sea. Since I have started sailing, these stories have given me even more of a sense..."
And here, apparently, I conked out. Here goes.
"...of God's power and might. I mean, I have been on calm and pristine oceans, but I've been on water that, while not bad compared to stories I've heard, was kind of nerve-wracking. But I can kind of picture the weather that the disciples were nervous about and I can imagine the feelings that they might have had. This is the big picture, that God is bigger than everything and that He uses us for His glory, but also created us out of love, and died to save us from our sins before we even knew we were lost.
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The big picture, as I thought of it on transit, is that. I also realized that in my life there is a big picture. All I can see know is the small pictures, all the little things that make me who I am, but I can't see the plan.
I love the song Heaven's Eyes (from Prince of Eygpt, a very under-rated animated musical). And some lyrics match my point! Hurray! Here they are- "a single thead in the tapestry, though it's color brightly shine, you can never tell it's purpose in the pattern of the grand design." Just because I don't see the end result, the big picture, that doesn't mean that I shouldn't strive to see it.
In my work-history, sailing or wherever God sends me next-and in my personal life.
Because there are things that, in the cosmic sense, are nil. But there are things that, when stacked together, are a big deal.
That might be a bit more rambly than normal, but I hope the basic jist got across :)
Bailey out.
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