Paddling with the Tide
Learning to move with God’s rhythm.
Recently, I spent an afternoon kayaking on a tidal river with friends. We carefully planned our trip, syncing our paddling with the rhythm of the tide. As the tide rose, we paddled upstream—our strokes steady, assisted by the gentle pull of the current. The water was calm, and the weather was hot. We moved upriver, catching glimpses of herons and eagles fishing beside us. It felt as if creation itself was breathing with us.
When we reached our destination, we anchored our kayaks on a sandbar in the middle of the river and waded into the cool, refreshing water. There, with fishing poles in hand and joy in our hearts, we laughed, shared stories, and just enjoyed being together. I felt grateful—grateful for the beauty of God’s creation, for the gift of friendship, and for the stillness that surrounded us like grace.
Eventually, as the tide turned, we climbed back into our kayaks and let the river carry us home. I paddled alone for part of the journey, quietly moving with the tide, surrounded by silence and reflection. That stillness gave me space to think about the day's joy and understand something deeper: this entire experience was a metaphor for our faith.
Because discipleship isn’t a static decision or a one-time event—it’s a journey. It requires movement, effort, and intention, sometimes leaving us completely exhausted. When I got home, I put everything away, ate dinner, and went to bed early. The next morning, a friend told me he felt like Jello. I laughed because I knew exactly what he meant.
That tired-but-satisfied feeling is familiar to anyone who has poured themselves into something worthwhile. And that’s the kind of “holy tired” we often experience after following Jesus. He never promised ease or comfort, but he did promise presence. And he did say this:
“My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
— Matthew 11:30
At first, that sounds like a contradiction. But it isn’t. Jesus wasn’t saying that the journey would be effortless. He said that when we follow his way—when we move with the current of God’s love instead of against it—our lives fall into a sacred rhythm. The work doesn’t disappear, but it no longer feels like a fight.
Moving with God’s tide is a kind of grace. It doesn’t mean skipping the tough parts. It means trusting that love is the way forward, that forgiveness is worth the risk, that justice is worth the effort, and that rest is not weakness but wisdom.
Resting after the day's effort isn’t failure—it’s faithfulness. God designed us with rhythms in mind. We are created to work, to love, to serve… and then to rest. Even Jesus stepped away. Even Jesus napped in the boat. Even Jesus went off to quiet places.
Sabbath is part of our discipleship, not as an escape, but as a way to recalibrate our hearts to God’s pace.
So, what does paddling with the tide in everyday life look like?
It might mean...
Saying yes to something that challenges your faith.
Saying no to something that drains your soul.
Choosing love when it would be easier to walk away.
Listening before you speak.
Forgiving when you’d prefer to forget.
Making time for stillness, even when the world demands more.
It might involve doing the same things you’re already doing—but with intention, with God, with grace. That’s when effort turns into joy.
That day on the river made me realize that we don’t control the current. But we can learn to listen for it, watch for the turn, rest when needed, paddle when called, and move in the direction we were always meant to go.
So yes, some days will leave you feeling like Jello. But it’s the good kind of tired—the kind that says: you were doing what you were made to do.
Paddle with the tide, friends, and rest when the day ends.
Reflection Prompt:
Where in your life are you paddling against the current?
Where might God be inviting you to let go of control and flow with grace instead?
Take a few quiet moments today to listen. The Spirit often speaks just beneath the surface.
If this reflection touched your heart, I’d love to hear what you’re feeling. Feel free to leave a comment, reply, or send me a message. Let’s keep listening together.