Shame Melting Love

     Yesterday Captain had me do some things I had never done before and it stressed me somewhat. It seemed mean at first, whenever He told me He wanted me to raise one of the sails by myself. I told Him that I had never done that before, and He just looked at me blankly.
    "You mean just start doing something, even if it's wrong?" I asked rather sharply.(I was afraid I would look stupid and really mess it up.)
     He just looked at me lovingly, to which I said, "Does that mean 'yes'?" Again, He smiled. I had to get myself together before asking Him which one to do.  Finally, I was composed and did. He pointed to the one on the upper deck. "Won't that mess up the boat while sailing?" I said as if I knew what I was talking about.
     As soon as I said it I realized that the question really indicated a lack of trust in Him, because He wouldn't have asked me to do this chore if it would mess up the sailing.
     Again, He just nodded His head, and turned again towards the front of the ship, steering the helm.
     I really wanted to scream now. I was ill-equipped and ignorant of anything about doing this. For a few minutes, I fumed inwardly, then when things had simmered down, I looked at the sail that was rolled up and tied.

 

 





     Okay, it was obvious that I needed to untie the sail first. After doing that, I realized that the sail needed to go up and be attached somewhere up there, but it was out of reach.

    There were all kinds of hooks and other things I hadn't ever seen or didn't know the names of. I'd never sailed a day in my life before this trip, much less raised or lowered the sails.

     I stood up with sail in both hands, and tried to raise it, knowing full well I couldn't do it. It was too heavy and besides my arms were only so long.



     Frustrated and weary, I began to cry. Captain asked me to do something I couldn't do, and He knew it! It felt mean of Him to "make a fool" out of me.
     I looked up at Him and He was looking back at me with all the love in His eyes that you could imagine. Then I cried harder!
     "Why'd you ask me to do something that I would fail at?" I asked accusingly.
     "I wanted you to ask me for help," He responded with gently humility.
     Then I really did feel foolish. I didn't do the obvious of asking Him to show me and to help me do it, because I was trying to impress Him.
     Just then He let go of the helm, and put both arms out as if to say empathetically, 'come here, sweetheart.' I dashed down the stairs and then up them again on the other side, and let Him hug the shame out of me. As soon as his arms wrapped around my back, I literally felt the shame melt, as His love infused me. What a beautiful day it turned out to be on the high seas!
Love conquers all; even my shame; especially my shame.