Through the Rapid

Last summer, I began to explore kayaking. I took several trips on rivers here in western Virginia on a kayak. One day, I was out on a float with about a dozen other people, including my brother-in-law. Jason is experienced in a kayak. He has enough skills to help people who are not very good in a kayak...and people who roll over in kayaks. He was helping me, giving me tips, watching. He mentioned one particular place he had concerns about. The fact that Jason claimed to be nervous about it made me a bit anxious.

In fact, I had already rolled once--when I first tried to get in the kayak that day. This was humbling, since I had already enjoyed a smooth trip previously. The rest of the group with a number of novices decided to walk around this rapid. I knew I could choose to try it. Jason and a few of the more experienced paddlers went through. I had faced moments like this before.

I knew if I did not go through the rapid, I would face the same moment--the same obstacle--again later. It would not be any easier then. I knew I could do it, if I did what I needed to do. I had some good counsel on this one. Did I mention I had some angst about this situation? When one is on the water, in a kayak, challenging rapids do appear challenging. I decided to go through, and I aimed for the ideal entry point.

I went into the rapid, accelerating and descending into its turbulent force. I paddled hard on the right. Otherwise, I faced a collision with an untamed bank. The kayak turned reluctantly back to the left. I felt the bump of a rock. The kayak slipped past. I was through. I was relieved and glad.

While I received the affirmation of some skilled kayakers, I knew I had not suddenly become a good paddler. I did, though, take a step toward being capable in this sport. I crossed a little threshold. I saw the challenge, felt the fear, and went through it. That is an essence of life, of progress, and of achievement. God helps us at those moments, but it takes a personal willingness to take a risk.