You know those peaceful boat rides where the wind gently blows through your hair and you feel like you’re in a travel commercial?
Yeah…this wasn’t that.
We were out for a boat ride on the Mississippi, and as usual, Josey had been in and out of the water. We normally rinse the sand off her before she climbs back into the boat, but for some reason we forgot this time. We didn’t realize she’d brought back half the beach with her until we got moving. Then the wind decided to share Josey’s souvenir with everyone on board.
Within seconds, it was pelting me in the face like a thousand tiny needles. I pulled my sweatshirt up over my face to block the sand. The wind immediately vacuum-sealed it to my head, so I decided to just go with the flow and ride it out.
I’m pretty sure I was still finding sand in places it had no business being three days later.
As I sat there looking absolutely ridiculous, it occurred to me that life is kind of like that.
Sometimes everything is clear. You know where you’re headed, and the path in front of you makes perfect sense.
Then, without much warning, life kicks up a little sand.
For a while, you can’t see what’s ahead. You don’t know how long it’s going to last, and trying to force your way through it usually doesn’t help. Sometimes you just have to cover your eyes, ride it out—unless you’re the one driving the boat—and wait for things to clear.
That’s exactly what we did.
Eventually, the wind settled. The sand stopped flying. I pulled my sweatshirt back down, brushed myself off, and the river was still there. The shoreline was still there. We were still headed exactly where we’d planned to go.
It made me wonder how many times in life we think we’ve lost our way, when really we’ve just lost our view for a little while.
Sometimes your destination hasn’t changed.
Your visibility has.
I’m hoping the only sand you find this week is between your toes. Not your teeth, not your scalp, and definitely not your cleavage.
If life kicks up a little sand, cover your eyes if you have to, ride it out, and wait for things to clear.
And may the only thing pelting your face this week be sunshine. Anyway…off we go. 
© Erica Shoemaker | Anyway… Off We Go
