More Life Lessons in the Yellow Kayak

God often reveals Himself in the ordinary moments of life. He met me in a simple yellow kayak.

In a previous post, I shared a few lessons I learned while venturing into unfamiliar waters. God taught me a few life lessons as I paddled across the lake. The kayak became more than a boat—it became a quiet classroom where He gently spoke to my heart.

As I learned how to use a kayak paddle (which has blades on both ends), I quickly discovered that paddling was exhausting. After several outings, I realized I was digging the paddle far too deeply into the water. With a lighter touch and less effort, the kayak moved smoothly forward without rocking back and forth.

Life Lesson: More effort doesn’t always mean better.

We often approach life thinking we should push harder, strive more. Yet God invites us into a different rhythm. One of trust, not striving. We discover that His ways bring rest even in the effort when we partner with Him.

---

As I paddled around the lake, I would often stop to take in the view. Even though I was still, the water, the wind, and the current continued moving. Without occasional guidance from the paddle, I would slowly drift towards the weeds risking getting stuck.

Life Lesson: Drifting leads to being stuck.

Our relationship with God is much the same. We can slowly drift, without even realizing it. A hurried day. Neglected prayer time. A distracted heart. Little by little, we shift direction. Returning to God is as simple as it was to pick up the kayak paddle and begin moving back on course. 

---

The greatest gift of my kayaking experience was enjoying the simplicity of solitude. No noise. No agenda. 

Each day, I simply chose whether to go right or left from the dock. As I padded, I listened to the gentle swish of the paddle through the water. Occasionally, a fish would leap out of the water and splash back into the lake.

Nothing demanded my attention.

In the calm, I sensed God near. 

Life Lesson: Our soul desires to be with God.

We live in a world of noise. Endless responsibilities compete for our attention. Yet, God’s voice is more easily heard in the quiet places. As other voices fade, the more we become aware of His presence.

---

As restful as it is to glide across the water, there’s a time to return to shore. As I rounded the dock, I paddled with intensity, trying to land the kayak high on the bank. The higher I landed the easier it was to disembark and pull the boat ashore. 

Life Lesson: Effort is worth the reward.

It’s easy to talk ourselves out of experiences that nourish our souls because of the time, effort, or energy involved. 

Getting up early. Going for a walk. Being still with God. Turning off the distractions.

Yet the reward is greater than the effort. Time spent with God is never wasted.

---

I learned many things during that weekend in the yellow kayak. The most precious life lesson is simple: God calls us “to be and to see”—2B & 2C.

When we choose “to be” with God, we begin “to see” Him.

We see His faithfulness. His creativity. His wisdom. His love woven throughout our lives.

The invitation is not to do more or try harder.

This invitation is to “be with” Him.

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit desire your company. God delights in you.

Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will rejoice over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.

Sometimes God simply asks us to leave the familiar shore and follow Him into something new, simply because He wants us to know Him more deeply.

So today, the invitation is simple.

Step into your “kayak.” Pull up a chair. Take a walk. Sit quietly for a few moments.

And discover God, who is waiting for you.

Take the journey with this ICM Community through our Be InterConnected Podcast Series: Step Out, Step Up. https://www.beinterconnected.org/podcast