May 4th

I have seen the distress which can be caused by the wake of a speedboat in busy waters. I have seen fishermen in row boats shake their fists as their boats nearly upset when they were rocked by inconsiderate pilots. Canoeists and water skiers also fall victim to the aquatic speed demons.
Sometimes I remember those wakes when I am in ‘progress mode.’ You know .. full steam ahead, watch out for me! I’m making headway! It occurs in our spiritual lives too. Often we are so enthusiastic about some lesson we have learned that we overlook the fact that the next fellow might not be prepared for that lesson yet. After all, we just learned it ourselves! Sometimes I have to ease back on the throttle.

THE WAKE OF MY PASSING
Does the wake of my passing touch others at all?
Does it help folks or bring sharp dismay?
Is the word which I speak often sweet to recall?
Does it linger in thought through the day?

Does my wake sometimes stir becalmed hearts to a test
By rocking the boat where they sleep?
Or does it o’erwhelm those who do but their best
To cross over life’s briny deep?

‘Tis not given to know every one whom I’ve passed.
‘Tis not given to know how they fare.
But I pray that I sail not ahead over fast
Leaving wake-waves that churn up despair.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to appreciate others for who they are at this moment. Please, Lord, You govern my forward speed.