In an illusion of safety, this skiff sat on these large rocks unattended, unsecured, unanchored. Oblivious to threats beyond the distant southern mountains, it sat unprotected, vulnerable to gale force winds, rising tides, and thunderous, crashing surf which unexpectedly but invariably will sweep in and batter the skiff against the rocks. Therein lies a parableContinue reading “It’s All About the Rocks…”
Tag Archives: lobster boat
Above the Mountains
J. Greshem Mechen, a Presbyterian theologian and founder of Westminster theological Seminary, was an avid mountain climber. His love for majestic peaks and beautiful vistas included hiking the peaks of Maine mountains. In a 1934 article for Christianity Today, he wrote: “There is far above any earthly mountain peak of vision a God high andContinue reading “Above the Mountains”
No More Work!
This lobsterman has spent a full day teaching school, but now he, his “stern-man,” and his canine friend are pulling lobster traps at dusk. I am uncertain about the “stern-man,” but he and his dog enjoy the work. Enjoyment is one of many reasons we labor long and hard. Economic needs, advancement opportunities, retirement savings,Continue reading “No More Work!”
All or none…
Stonington’s visitors and residents will recognize this familiar scene on its working waterfront. Curiously, this shed like building which has weathered high winds and vicious storms for years appears to be sitting partially on rugged shore rock and partly on a wharf held up by stilts. Christ told a parable about foundational materials on whichContinue reading “All or none…”
“Dooryard” Treasures
A Maine “dooryard” is often the source of surprises and treasures! Scrap lumber? Junk cars? Old buggies? Clotheslines? Free ranging chickens? Weeds? Goats? Playgrounds? Cast off toilets? Whirligigs? Beautiful lilacs? Callous chaos? A lovely, sculpted lawn? Or some combination with a dog or two thrown in! Maybe even sheep and a lobster boat and gear!Continue reading ““Dooryard” Treasures”
Prepared?
The awaited time is now, and “Tide Strider” is ready. After much hard work and heavy lifting, the lobster traps have been stacked onto the wharf. Buoys and gear are on board. The weather is changing. Let the fishing season begin! I wonder how much of life is spent “preparing.” We plan meals, social events,Continue reading “Prepared?”
When the Mist Rolls Away
Faith is like lobster fishing before GPS technology. Fishermen used compasses, running times, buoy colors, fog horns, visible land marks, and knowledge of the fishing grounds to find their lobster pots. With that knowledge, they had confidence they would locate their gear even in low visibility. Our belief systems unfold as we weave through foggyContinue reading “When the Mist Rolls Away”
From where you sit…
From where you sit, do you see what I see? Probably not! We live in the same world, maybe in the same neighborhood, or even in the same household but still can have very different perspectives on life. What we learn and the way we learn and experience the world can be very diverse. So,Continue reading “From where you sit…”
The Same Boat!
In the distance, gulls vie for bait as they circle a lobsterman pulling his traps. In the foreground a party boat carries its passengers to a picnic. The photo captures a moment where markedly different lifestyles briefly intersect. An unnoticed man is toiling at back breaking work in a smelly old lobster boat as othersContinue reading “The Same Boat!”
Pleasures Now and Forever?
The Catch, the Joy of Lobstering, Sullivan, Maine We were created as sensual beings with the capability and expectation that we should know the pleasures of our world. Experiencing pleasure comes in varied ways and forms: tastes, colors, styles, textures, books, art, recreation, music, ideas, and relationships. We have preferences but also enjoy others’ achievementsContinue reading “Pleasures Now and Forever?”
Sweet Words from Maine 