Finding Refreshment!
For most people, just getting away
from the normal routine and taking a vacation is a refreshing change. Al and I
found that to be true on our latest adventure, a cruise to the Caribbean in the
beginning of the month. Not only did we enjoy the sights and sounds of our home
on board the cruise ship for a week—we also enjoyed seeing some of the
beautiful islands of the Caribbean, a first for us.
I came home feeling renewed after
soaking in beauty of the ocean, the scenery at each of the ports, and after so
many positive encounters with people—crew members, those we met along the way
and other guests on the same adventure.
It is impossible to talk about a
cruise without mentioning the helpfulness and inspiration of the hard-working
team of people on the ship. There were nearly 1,000 crew members, from captain
and the engineering department, to the “hotel” staff and those providing the
fantastic food. Everyone we met seemed friendly and willing to serve.
We were surprised to learn that
most of the employees worked eleven hours a day, seven days a week for 8-10
months at a time. They came from the Philippines, Indonesia, South Africa and
many other countries, often leaving families behind to work, and sending the
much-needed money home.
After a couple of months to rest and reunite
with their families, most would sign a new contract with the same company. Astrid,
a bubbly waitress from Indonesia, told us that she had been doing that for
several years. Astrid loved her job in the food service, and it showed!
Some of the employees saved their
earnings and went on to accomplish their dreams. One fellow served as a room
attendant until he had enough money to attend pilot training school and
eventually became a pilot for a commercial airline.
Then there were the people we met
along the way. Al and I joined a small group of folks from the ship on a
snorkeling adventure that was successful due to the careful instruction and attention
from three young men at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.
Walking on the slippery deck of the
boat with a cane proved to be challenging for Al, as was climbing up the metal
ladder to get back on board when our time was over. He was given much
appreciated assistance by the crew when needed.
A little later when we were on the pier at
Half Moon Cay, some of the other snorkelers complimented him, saying “Way to
go!” One of the ladies also told me that
she had been inspired by Al.
“I didn’t think he’d be able to do
it,” she said, glancing at him as he walked behind us with his cane.
“Al has balance issues,” I responded, “But,
once in the water, he’s fine!”
Then she shared something
surprising—she didn’t know how to swim, but had really wanted to go snorkeling!
One of the crew, a certified lifeguard, stayed with her the whole time, as she
wore a life jacket and held onto a foam “noodle” for support.
“Well, you inspire me!” I told her.
I was impressed that she, a non-swimmer, hadn’t let fear stop her.
Al and I also met and were
refreshed by many of the guests we met while on the ship, one of whom was in a
wheelchair after having a severe stroke years ago.
“I had to start from the beginning,”
she said. Another courageous person! Her
goals for the coming year? To walk and drive again!
That same woman and her husband were
on the shuttle bus from the ship’s terminal to the Fort Lauderdale airport. When
it was time to exit the bus, she stood, grabbed the back of each seat and
pulled herself along until she reached the steps where her husband was waiting
with outstretched arms to help her out of the bus and into the wheelchair.
Our many experiences during the
week reinforced the truth that refreshment, encouragement and inspiration often
come to us in order that we, in turn, might refresh, encourage and inspire
others.
Thank you, Lord, for those who
inspire us. May we also encourage others by our actions and words. In Jesus’
name, Amen.
“I long to see you so that I may
impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I
may be mutually encouraged in the Lord.” Romans 1:11-12 NIV
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