Life’s obstacles are like a “strainer” in the river.

I’ve been kayaking creeks and streams this summer, and have seen some “strainers”. A strainer is a fallen tree in a water way that is partially submerged, blocking the path of the paddler, and is potentially dangerous. The current in the river pulls debris into the dead wood area, creating an obstacle that makes it difficult for the paddler to get around it, and continue on her way.

There is a similarity to strainers in rivers and the obstacles we face in our lives. Both are caused by something that has fallen or been uprooted. A portion of the obstacle is often submerged, and therefore difficult to see in its entirety, causing a large part of the problem.  “Oops, there I am,  pulled up against it.”

The flow of life draws “stuff” into the strainers or problems.  Each collect its own amount of dead wood and debris.  Both have exposed sharp edges and harmful underwater traps. These strainers can be dangerous while paddling. Likewise, the obstacles in our lives can harm us.

So what should be do?  Not paddle at all?  Stay safe, away from danger?

Indeed, not.  What fun would life be if we stayed comfortably on the shore and never ventured down stream?

Managing a strainer on a river can teach us something about handling an obstacle in the current of our life.  There are several principles in common:

1. Pay attention.  Look ahead, downstream, of you. Anticipate your problems, while at the same time applyiing wisdom to the situation, not worry.

2.  Keep on paddling, but not into the strainer.  Instead go around the obstacle if you can.  The forward movement of your paddling is your power in the current.  Don’t stop, fight the current, because the current will pull you where you don’t want to go.

3.  If you are caught up in a strainer (life’s problem), don’t panic.   Use your head. Pray Jesus’s name, and relax into the situation.

4.  Signal for help. You are paddling (experiencing life) with a friend for this very purpose, to not do life alone.  Face the obstacle with the help of someone else.

5.  Remember that the river’s flow is calm on the down side of the strainer.  So be patient.  Peace is just around the corner.