Issue 1187 Looking Back June 27, 2023
Yesterday, Kathy and I took a spontaneous break from our schedules. We hopped in the car, drove the hour (and a bit) to Tsawwassen, walked onboard the Spirit of British Columbia ferry, and rode over to Vancouver Island (Schwartz Bay). It is an excellent deal for B.C. resident seniors (free, with I.D.)
We sailed on the Spirit of British Columbia. It was built in 1993 and runs on natural gas. At 167 m in length, she can carry 358 cars and 2100 passengers and crew. I’ve lived in communities smaller than that.
The ferry trip took about an hour and a half. The scenery was beautiful, and I was amazed at the volume of ferry traffic as smaller vessels travelled between the various Gulf islands.
On arrival at Schwartz Bay, we hopped a double-decker city bus ($5 for an all-day pass,) saw parts of Sidney and rode into the heart of Victoria. There is plenty to do within easy walking distance of the end-of-the-line bus stop.
We enjoyed people watching people from every socio-economic group, from the ultra-wealthy driving cars that cost more than I have ever spent on a house to street people and the urban homeless. There were buskers, artists and other entertainers. Horse-drawn and pedal power cab rides were readily available, and there were plenty of tourist-orientated boutiques,
For the more historic-minded, the Empress Hotel, the B.C. legislative building and more were within a few block radius. Whale-watching tours were sailing from that city corner, and water taxis and local cruises were available. In short, there was lots to see and do.
After touring for a while, we hopped a different bus back, saw more parts of Victoria and Sidney, walked on the ferry for the return trip and upon disembarking, drove home.
We had seen orcas twice, two mule deer bucks and a doe. We had seen a group of at least two dozen herons hunting the beach at low tide and watched many eagles soar and cormorants fish.
I snapped a few pictures, mostly some basic landscapes to use as subjects for my sketching, a few of Kathy and I and some aboard ship, including one of the ship’s wake.
Looking back at the wake was a reminder of where we had been. It can be a valuable exercise to look back, provided we don’t find ourselves crawling back into the past and trying to relive it.
Sometimes, I get frustrated because I am not yet as good a Christian as I might be. I stumble back into old patterns of sin, don’t remember the Scriptures as well as I would like, forget at times to pray for people and miss opportunities to share Jesus. Sometimes I am quick to anger and slow to repent or forgive.
I stop and look backwards when I get into that frame of mind. As the old saying goes, “I’m not where I want to be, but I’m not what I used to be either.” Since becoming a Christian about 30 years ago, God has grown me tremendously by His grace. He’s not done with me yet,
Paul said to the church in Philippi, “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
I stop and remember that it is God at work in me. He brings the changes.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 1:8-10
Looking back, I can see my progress and be encouraged for the journey yet to come.
The Lord loves you and me, and He is in the process of making something beautiful out of our messy lives. Take time to thank Him today.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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