During our recent flight from the states to Trinidad, I was
looking out the window at the Caribbean Sea below. Since I always book a window
seat, I’ve been looking at similar views for years, but this time I realized
that my perspective had changed. I used to look down at the great expanse of empty
ocean and think of it as an obstacle. But it’s different now because we’ve been
there, out on the ocean with nothing at all around, seeing neither land nor
ship for days. And you know, it’s not so scary. In fact, it can be both calming
and exhilarating. If you’ll allow me to wax philosophic for a moment: my
previous notion of “empty ocean as obstacle” seems representative of all those
big changes that happen in life. They may seem insurmountable until you actually
confront and overcome them. At that point, it becomes “been there, done that”,
and that obstacle is relegated to an accomplishment. It’s a nice feeling.
I don’t know why I always get waaay behind on my blogs
during summer. I suppose it’s because we’re completely off our routine,
traveling by plane, train, and automobile instead of boat, working cons,
visiting with family and friends, etc. I have to admit, we had a great time,
but we’re finally back on the boat. Unhappily, this is our current view.
Happily, we’ve got all our on-the-hard boat work done, and we’re supposed to go
back in the water tomorrow. It’s already been delayed once (we were supposed to
go in two days ago, but there were some boats in extreme states of
unpreparedness in our way), but I’ve got my fingers crossed.
