Full Tilt
by Kelly Moore
Sometimes a problem comes along and we over-adjust. We learned today that over-adjusting / overcorrecting can be dangerous.
The boat captain was told of a shortcut that had been created from the rising water in the river and decided to turn the boat and head to the shortcut. We must have been coming up on it pretty fast because, rather than a steady turn to the right, he spun the wheel for a hard turn. The boat began to turn and tilt…35/40/45 degrees…then the turn of the wheel made its way fully to the rudder and the boat began a full tilt…50/60 degrees. Chairs and people were sliding toward the rail, in the small dining area the refrigerator, water cooler, and tables began to turn over with things beginning to fall from the shelves and break. We all thought we were going over and were grabbing hold of anything that seemed solidly connected. Those napping were startled awake as they had to grab the bed frame to keep from falling out of bed.
Although it seemed to go in slow motion and last a long time, it was all over as quickly as it began. The second captain killed the engine and the boat shifted back to its upright position. The crew quickly took a count to make sure no one had gone overboard. Everyone was accounted for and no one was injured. We were just left with a big mess. In a matter of seconds we had experienced a potentially disastrous event all caused by one act of overcorrecting.
Isn’t that the way life is? Something happens that catches us by surprise and, rather than taking our time and asking God to guide our response, we turn, we run, we change, we overcorrect. Sometimes the consequences are dangerous and messy. Things get broken and people get hurt. There have been times in my life that I feel I have lived in a state of full tilt/ off balance and about to capsize and sink to the bottom of the ocean. Precious friends, this is not where God wants us to be. Perhaps we need to shut down the engine for a moment and allow ourselves to settle back into balance.
Instead of overcorrecting and overreacting God wants us to be still and know Him. Listen, wait, do not act in haste. God knows what is happening. He knows the path. He also knows the best solution when problems arise. Give God room to work. Avoid full tilt.
Copyright ©2016, Kelly Moore, all rights reserved, Reprinted with permission from the author. Photos courtesy of Kelly Moore. All rights reserved.
Kelly is a follower of Christ, wife, mom, teacher, musician, and artist. She is an observer of people and nature and is working on how to truly “live love”. She talks to birds and butterflies, and has been known to rescue baby snakes. She loves to get her hands dirty in the flower garden, and can lay on the sidewalk at night and watch the moon and stars for hours. Kelly just loves living!
You can follow Kelly at
http://www.livinglovewithkelly.com
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