Deschutes River in Maupin, Oregon
Recently a group of men from our church YCC, spent the day rafting on the the scenic Deschutes River. The journey to Maupin was full of questions and unspoken anxiety surrounding rapid names like Box Car, Upper Elevator, and Oak Springs.
Is it safe? What if I can’t swim? Has anyone died there? Do they have life jackets?
The day was epic and fully met our expectations. We were shot like a gun through a water chute, soloed the rapids with nothing but a life jacket, had raft against raft water fights, got plenty of sunburns, talked a lot of smack, and survived the ten-foot drop challenge at Oak Springs. Next year’s date is already on the calendar.
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
I’d always viewed God as within me (immanent), above me (transcendent) and besides be—but behind me?
Yes.
God sees our big picture before we do. He doesn’t pull us like paddling upriver but guides, directs and nudges us from behind like a good shepherd directing a prodigal sheep.
Lead from the Back?
I noticed this on our white water trip. The only reason we were able to take the risks we took and experience the adrenaline rush of fun instead of tragedy of defeat was because of knowledgeable river guide.
Our guide’s twenty years of experience on that river taught us how to survive getting knocked out of the raft, float downriver safely, and when it was safe to jump in the river. He knew the river’s flow, levels, and how the raft would run the rapids based on the boat’s weight, strength of rowers, and obedience to his direction.
Every day is different. Every raft crew is different. And every day on the river is different. He calculated all this information as he steered from the back using his longer guide oar for a paddle or rudder when needed. A myriad of things went threw his mind before barking orders, “Left side forward two strokes, right side backward one!”
Tip of the Spear
Does this bother you? Are you a tip-of-the-spear kind of guy? It bothered me too until reality hit. Admittedly, there is value in being the tip of the spear but what would the tip be without the arrow fletching to guide the broadhead on target? Where do we see this real-life leadership?
See the Big Picture
Are generals on the front lines leading the charge like William Wallace in the movie Braveheart (who was captured, tortured, and ultimately martyred)?
No.
Is Dabo Swinney playing quarterback for Clemson University? No, he observes from the sidelines, receives directions from his coaches in the press box; assesses the down, distance, field position, and time on the game clock, then (hopefully) calls the best play from all the information gathered—all in under a minute.
As the spiritual leader, it’s an awesome privilege to guide the river of life for our family. Get in the back and observe your family’s flow. Are there pending obstacles up ahead? What dangers lie in wait under the shallow surface? Who needs a lifeline? Who needs to be disciplined? Who needs to be praised?
Where do you need to stop and have some fun! Who needs a little extra encouragement? Most of all, where will this river take your family if you continue down it. What will your marriage, children, and grandchildren be like tomorrow based on the river you navigate today?
God has handed you the guide oar. Take it! Grab ahold! Be the man God has ordained. It’s time to start leading from the back.
