Selection from Eddies for Outdoorsmen

Why I Wear My Life Jacket

     When I first started canoeing I didn’t wear a life jacket unless conditions appeared rather dangerous.  Most of the time my life jacket just lay in the bottom of my boat.   As I gained more experience I began to realize that accidents can happen any time and anywhere.  They often happen when you least expect it.  As I gained experience in reading the water I learned that many hazards are very difficult or impossible to see as you approach from upstream.  Looking back on what you just passed, it’s easy to see the dangers, but it’s not very easy to see what lies ahead.  So I began wearing a life jacket faithfully whenever I go canoeing.  I no longer need to decide when to put it on or take it off.  I just keep it on and I have the comfort of knowing that I’ll be safe even if I fall out of my boat.  And, yes, that still happens.

     This reminds me of the plan of  salvation God has provided for us.  He provides this freely to anyone who will accept it.  I can let it lie in the bottom of my boat or I can accept it and put it on.  I have put it on and I keep it on.  It gives me the comfort of knowing that my soul is safe even when I fall into sin.  And, yes, that still happens.