My grandfather Blacky asked me to go with him fishing and shrimping. My older cousin laughed and warned: “You’ll be sorry!” Yet, everything started smoothly as I helped toss out the nets and guide the boat. The work was hard but seeing the shrimp and working beside grandpa, the greatest fisherman in the world, made it all worthwhile. Then Blacky fell asleep; not just a polite snooze but a symphony filled with snores and wheezes to wake the dead. Now what? I was in deep water and deep trouble.

A similar situation happened to the disciples as they traveled with Jesus: “One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.’ So they got into a boat and started out. On the way across, Jesus lay down for a nap, and while he was sleeping the wind began to rise. A fierce storm developed that threatened to swamp them, and they were in real danger.” (Luke 8:22-23)

“The disciples woke Jesus up, shouting, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!'” (24)

Like the disciples, I was in danger and terrified. My guide and expert wouldn’t wake up. I didn’t know if he was sick or lazy but either way, I desperately needed help from another source. I realized something had to change. “Stop and think!” I said out loud. After a minute, I remembered how grandpa carefully showed me everything. I just mentally needed to retrace his lessons.

First, “take in the nets.” I leaned over the side and grabbed: “Whoa, these nets are heavy!” I thought. Slowly, inch by inch, the nets were pulled up and placed on the deck. It wasn’t long before I was rewarded with the sight of shrimp, hundreds of shrimp.

Fear turned to wonder as the hold was soon filled. I looked over at Grandpa with newfound pride but I could tell by the loud snoring, he was still fast asleep. My fear returned. Now what?

“So Jesus rebuked the wind and the raging waves. The storm stopped and all was calm! Then he asked them, ‘Where is your faith?'” (25)

Grandpa told me the next step while we were heading toward the fishing spot: “Stay close to the buoys. They will guide you safely home.”

With a silent prayer I turned the boat toward what I hoped would be the right direction. Fortunately, it wasn’t long before I saw a familiar buoy ahead. Soon, I saw the comforting vision of the shoreline in the distance. As the boat glided steadily through the water toward home, I felt a surge of pride. Glancing at Grandpa, I noticed he was no longer snoring but there was a trace of a smile on his face. Blacky never admitted it but others later told me: “It was his way of testing me and I passed.”

Larry and Blacky After Fishing

“And the disciples were filled with awe and amazement.” (25)

Occasionally, you may find yourself in deep trouble with help seemingly miles away. You cry out in pain but everyone seems to be asleep. No one answers, at least not right away and not with the response you’re looking for. Now what? You can panic, or abandon ship or you can:

1. Stop, pray and mentally retrace lessons already learned.
2. Grab hold of the nets with all your strength and pull.
3. Don’t stop pulling, don’t give up and don’t lose faith.
4. Say a prayer and turn the boat where you hope will be the right direction.
5. Continue looking for the buoys and they will guide you safely home.

Jesus was disappointed in the disciples for allowing a thunderstorm to scare them without trusting in the authority of Who was already in the boat. The disciples also were being tested but unfortunately came up short this time. “Where is your faith?” asked Jesus. Later, they would learn their lesson well.

Blacky is in heaven now but while writing this story I found new appreciation for the creative ways he loved and nurtured me. Because of his sleepy test, I discovered newfound strength and with his loving encouragement, I found courage. Thanks Grandpa.


1 Comment

Martha davies · February 4, 2016 at 3:51 pm

Your grandpa was a good man. He was especially a great grandpa. He loved you all so much and all of you loved being with him. He would have been proud of you!

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