For a good part of my young life I traveled in a boat
surrounded by the most wonderful people. However, there came a time when I realized
that the boat was not on the course to take me where I wanted to go. I saw many
other boats in the same waters going in many different directions. The people
in these boats were just as lovely and wonderful as the people that were on
board with me. There were often invitations to visit these other boats and the people that
I traveled with encouraged me to join them saying, "go, and do that which makes you
happy." But unexpectedly I fell out of my boat and fought with all my
strength just to stay afloat. No one from any of the other boats even noticed
that I was in trouble or where I was. It seemed that no matter how loud I tried
to scream, like in a dream, there must not have been a single sound coming from
my mouth. Then pleading from within I made one final attempt to cry out, but
before I could make a sound I saw a boat right in front of me within my reach.
I thought that the boat looked rather odd compared to all of the other boats
that I had previously admired. It was a very simple looking boat, nothing attractive about it
or even about the people on it. However, I felt a very strong feeling that I
would be safe on board. The people on this boat had their hands extended
reaching out to me. I only needed to stretch my hand forward and they could
pull me up. Then suddenly I noticed that in the waters surrounding us
were all of the other boats that I had seen before. All of the people on those
boats were yelling at me, warning me not to take the hands of these simple looking people and go on board
with them. Some of the boats even had people slapping the waters and making
waves, yelling horrible and cruel things to the people on the boat who's hands were just inches from
me. It only became more difficult for me to keep my head above water and as
I looked around I saw the boat that I fell out of. I recognized the faces of
those on board. Some of them were crying, others were begging me to come back,
while others were distracted by all that was going on. I turned my head one more
time to the people that were reaching out to me. Their hands extended, their
expressions were pleasant and simple. Then one who was on this plain looking boat
calmly said to me, “come join us on the deck and rest. You’ll have time to think
about all that you see and make your own decision before we continue on our way.” So I let
them take me by the hand and pull me up. They provided me with a blanket and
something to eat and drink. I felt warm and safe. Then the same person spoke to
me again and said, “we will take you back to your boat if that is what you
wish. We understand if you feel that that will make you happy. You are also
welcome to remain on board and travel with us.” I then asked,” where are you
people going?” The person replied, “We travel these waters, apparently unseen
until someone by their own will looks for us. Most of them do so when they find
themselves in a situation that they feel they cannot resolve on their own.
Often, even when we are visible to those who are just looking for some simple
answers, right before these persons can see us, they are distracted by those on
other boats. Rarely, but it does happen, that a person just manages to find us
on their own.” I then asked, “how long will you be traveling these waters?”
Then came the replay, “until the master of our boats calls us to come home.” My
final question was, “if I choose to remain on your boat, what must I do?” And
my answer came, “reach out your hand to everyone, and take hold of those who
will take hold of yours. Do unto them that which we have done unto you, and always
acknowledge the master of the boats for who he is and what he has done for all of us.” I am
safe on board this boat. I have been for some time. I understand if you are happy where you are right now and want to remain there. My hand is extended to all who wish to take a hold of it, and
it always will be.
