Even Keel

I was convinced I had met my future wife doing a roofing job 300 miles from home. After serving me a bacon cheeseburger at a local restaurant, I began pursuing “Mrs. K.” through a long-distance relationship. Occasionally, we would get to spend time in her hometown. As her parents were avid sailors, that was often my only choice of activity if I wanted to spend time with their daughter.  

While I never became an adequate sailor, I discovered plenty of amazing (and confusing) scientific and mechanical realities about sailing. The large keel below the boat is a peculiar and necessary component. Suspended many feet below the bottom of the boat, this large fin provides necessary stability to the wind-powered vessel. Without the keel, sailboats would easily capsize, much less, perform in any satisfactory way.

Did you know that the flow of water past the keel produces lift much like an airplane? In fact, rotate an airplane 90 degrees and place it in the ocean and you basically have the same shape as a sailboat. Have you ever wondered how a sailboat can use the wind from just about any direction to reach its destination?

While there are many factors at work, one big reason is the keel. Sailboats almost always experience leeway: drifting off course due to the wind’s sideways force. This creates a strange angle that causes the water to rush past the keel to produce horizontal lift. This reactive force not only counteracts the powerful force of the wind against the sails but also helps propel the sailboat forward to its destination.

The Fruit of the Spirit is like the keel of a sailboat. God’s presence is attached to our very being. His power is always available in our weakness. While the wind and waves around us may cause turmoil at times, there is no reason to fear. The circumstances in our lives that seem to create imminent disaster can actually activate God’s provision in His Spirit. As faithful followers of Jesus, we find stability amidst chaos, allowing both the good and bad to propel our path to His defined destination. 

Our community will focus on the fruit of peace during the month of November. Like love, peace is something we receive from God and can share with others. Like joy, the peace of God transcends above all circumstances. And even if you don’t find your feet on the deck of a sailboat soon, let us not forget the powerful keel living inside of us who gives us peace that surpasses all understanding.