Maintaining Idle Speed in a "No Wake Zone"

Growing up in South Florida, there were a lot of opportunities to see boats and ride in boats. My grandmother had a house on the Intracoastal waterway and we would sit out on the dock and watch the boats go by. We learned what channel markers and buoys were for and why boats had red lights and green lights on them.

There were two signs on the waterway near my grandmother's house. One was "Idle Speed" and the other was "No Wake Zone." When seeing those signs, the boaters knew that they should be traveling at or below idle speed to ensure that the boat's wake would not cause any injury or damage to any person, boat or property.

What's a wake? Basically, a wake is a swell of water, waves, path, or water pattern that follows behind a boat moving through the water. Anyone who's been in a smaller boat when a larger boat passes by, knows to "hang on" because the small boat can be rocked back and forth when crossing the wake of the larger boat.

I think we should have "No Wake Zones" in our lives. Think about it. When was the last time your "world was rocked" by something someone said or did? You didn't see it coming. You didn't know to "hold on" until the way was smooth again. The other person may or may not have had any idea of the impact of their "wake" as they just moved on.

Navigating through life's "waterways" can be a challenge. It would certainly help if we knew where our personal "No Wake Zones" were. We all have them. Those little areas where we are more sensitive and prone to have our "world rocked" (or at least tipped off-kilter). What if we focused on the boat captain, Jesus, through those zones and asked him to help us to maintain an "idle speed" through it? We can't control how someone else might speed through our "No Wake Zone" but we can control how we react to it. Sometimes we might need to speak with the person about their "wake." They might not even be aware of it. Sometimes we might need to just "hold on" and maintain our "idle speed" through the interaction. Sometimes, though, we might need to change our course and take a different direction. Whatever we choose, though, will be our choice.

The next time someone comes zooming into your "No Wake Zone," be prepared. Let the "captain" help you navigate the waters and maintain your "Idle Speed." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Godspeed!