November 7th, 2022
by Pastor Mike McVey – First United Methodist Church, Fairfield
This past Thursday I found myself down in Galveston on another one of my monthly Coast Guard Chaplain visits. I was invited to come along on an evening training mission that involved a Coast Guard Helicopter. The whole training takes about an hour and is something to see!
I was sitting in the mission briefing room as the crew went over the various aspects of the training and the weather report. The coxswain announced that wind would be stead and light and that waves would be around 2 to 3 feet; these are known as “light seas.” After the weather report and briefing we made our way down to the boat dock, donned our life jackets and motored out into Galveston Bay.
I was having a great conversation with some of the crew on the stern of the boat when I noticed the wind began to pick up. I made my way into the pilot house and sat down on one of the 4 riding seats that are available. I looked out at the horizon and noticed some dark clouds rolling in. The Boatswain looked back at the crew and shouted, “Looks like a squall line has come up, better hold on boys!” I then saw a mischievous grin appear on the mans face as he went back to his work.
Mist and rain began to hit the windshield and the wind outside picked up considerably. Our boat began to heave every which way as waves crashed over the bow. The crew laughed and made jokes about the weather, while I gripped my seat tightly. Several times the boat would come down on a wave and I would literally rise out of my sea only to come smacking down once the bow plowed through the rest of the seas. “I think these are a bit bigger that 2 to 3 feet,” the Coxswain laughed. Meanwhile the crewmember that was on the stern was beginning to look green. And, to be honest, I was starting to feel a little queasy myself.
We finally arrived at the designated point that we would rendezvous with the helicopter. The problem with this is that the boat had to slow its engines to a near idle, which meant that we were now being tossed around like a toy boat in a bathtub. The boat swayed back and forth, up and down, all the while we just waited for the helicopter to arrive. The crew began take wind readings and wave readings. One man shouted, “That last gust was 20knots (which equals 23 miles per hour)!” The seas had gone from out light 2 to 3 feet to 6 to 9feet. These are known as “moderate seas,” but I don’t think the word moderate does them justice.
My stomach began to roll right along with the boat, and I found myself holding the railing and praying that I wouldn’t lose my lunch all over place. The crewman across from me was incredibly ill and still NO HELICOPTER! We were stuck out in this washing machine weather until the training was concluded. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to escape, you just had to hold on to the rail and hold on to your stomach! I found myself being absolutely miserable, but also joking with the crew because there was nothing else that we could do but wait.
Finally, after an hour, the training mission was canceled because of the “moderate” weather and mechanical issues on the helicopter. So, we made our way back to the dock. As we turned around and headed in, the clouds cleared up, the seas began to calm, and stars filled the sky. It was beautiful and frustrating at the same time, why couldn’t God have sent that calm weather sooner! We made it back to the dock safe and sound and I’m proud to say I did not get seasick!
So, why am I sharing this little queasy sea tale with you? This experience got me thinking about the times in our lives in which we are surrounded by negativity and struggle. Biblically this is called, “going through the valley.” And we have all been there at some point and time. We have all had days, weeks, months, or even years that we feel constantly battered and tossed about. What are we to do?
Sometimes the only solution is to grab the rail, hold on tight, and grit your teeth at the situation. We know that eventually, through the power of Jesus Christ and the promise of the Gospel, that this time of storm will end, and we will make it safely to shore. Jesus ensures that the waves will never overtake us or overcome us, but only if we holdfast and remained on course to the promised land.
God never promised us a pleasant ride, but he did promise us a glorious destination.
Hold fast, steady and on course my friends. God will grant us seas legs!
Your often-seasick pastor,
Mike McVey
