Safe Harbor

There are times when all of us venture out into dangerous territory.  I can reflect back on my life on those times with regret--wondering "WHAT WAS I THINKINGI'   The important, life-saving factor was, I had a safe harbor to return to.  Am I advocating launching out into perilous situations?  Absolutely not.  My focus is on the safe harbor.  Our children, friends and even acquaintances who watch our lives, maybe even monitoring what we do and say--how we act and react--with skepticism are fully aware of what type of "harbor" we offer.  Growing up, there were restrictions placed on me that I didn't always appreciate.  However, the fact that my parents did offer discipline (in a kind and loving manner), kept me from participating in things that may have altered my life and hindered me from persuing an education,  and committment to the important things in life. Was I a perfect child then, growing up?  No, but I respected authority and followed the guidelines set before me by my parents and others in my life who taught by example.  I was contained in a "safe harbor".  I felt loved and safe at home.  Yes, sometimes eager to "fly" and do things my own way, but nonetheless--SAFE.When I matured and was on my own, there were times I lingered and looked toward dangerous waters.  The lure and fascination of the forbidden worked on me.  The human heart still reacts the same as Eve did in the garden, after all.  We are all the same.  But how thankful I am for the safe harbor.  When standards are set and marked for us by the wise mentors.  Even if we don't follow their lead and venture beyond the safety and protection of what is right and good--we know there is a safe harbor.
As Parents, teachers, pastors, mentors in many walks of life provide safe harbors.  Years ago, when my children were all younger and still living at home, we were asked to put a sign in our window:  "Block Parent".  The purpose was to alert any children in the neighborhood that our home was a safe place.  If they were in trouble, or felt threatened in anyway, they could knock on our door and find shelter.  A few years ago, at our school, we were asked if we were willing to post a sign:  "Safe Spot".  It simply meant a child could seek shelter and comfort there.  Today my blog is reminding us to be a "Safe Spot" , a mentor providing a "Safe Harbor" with our example and every day life.  It goes without saying that we live in a time where evil is rampant.  We never know when we wake up each morning--in what horrendous way it will raise its ugly head.  There is an urgent need to live our lives, raising a high standard of morality and respect for others.  There has to be "safe spots".  Reaching out with our hearts as well as our hands will have an effect.  From a spiritual standpoint--Christ is our safe harbor as the storms of life rage around us.  Because He is the light that penetrates the darkness of this world--we are called to shine, reflecting His light in our lives.  Forgive me if I sound "preachy", but if we only reach out with words, material help, and acceptance--without the hope of rescue from darkness and evil--we are not providing a SAFE HARBOR!  A standard has to be raised, like a lighthouse shining to warn of the danger of bad choices so we can help guide those drifting and sinking in the tumultuous sea of guilt, shame, and regret.  Is your heart and home a safe harbor?  I'd love to hear comments of times in your life that someone provided a safe harbor for you when you were in desperate need.  My parents were always there for me.  There were many godly heroes in my life that also raised a high standard.  Even when we drift away from the safe port--if someone has let us see and know where to seek shelter--there's a path to follow to take us back where we belong!  I, of course, am most thankful for the arms of Jesus Christ, where I can curl up like a lamb and the good shepherd takes me and restores me.  He mends the broken, binds up the wounded, and welcomes the wayward into the safe harbor of His love and mercy.