We left our marina on Saturday, Feb. 25th. Up until our departure we had slept on the boat about 7 nights while in our slip in the marina. The first night sleeping on the boat we spent time identifying sounds/movements that were new to us.ie. slapping of water on the hull, gentle rocking when a boat would go by that unsettled the water outside our slip and sometimes a rubbing sound of the fenders against the dock.
We got accustomed to all of those sounds and slept well after the first night. Then we left Merritt Island and sailed down the ICW and anchored our first night in Vero Beach. We had never dropped anchor before except a day practice and there is always a chance that if you don't secure it correctly your anchor will be dragged along by your boat and you will end up somewhere you don't want to be like running into a nearby boat or running aground on a sandbar. So falling asleep that night wasn't easy....at least for Cindy. In fact I (Cindy) slept in the saloon of the boat because I could see out of the side portholes and each time I awoke I looked for the anchorage lights of our lead boat. Each boat at anchorage must turn on special lights at the top of their masts so surrounding boats can see them. That point of light reassured me that we were still the same distance from the lead boat and that our anchor was holding us securely. During one of my awake periods, I thought about how important it is that we remain firmly anchored in our lives and I made a list of things that anchor me.
I am anchored by my faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. During the worst moments in life when I was most afraid, I relied on the testimony I have of Christ's atonement for all the people on earth and the great love He has for all of us. I am anchored by the promise that nothing is really lost to those who follow and love Him. He can heal us physically, emotionally and mentally and He has power to still waves. Matthew 8:24-26 That verse has a whole new meaning to me now.😊 I am anchored by my sweetheart. When I am afraid he steadies me. Especially on this adventure his knowledge exceeds mine and I often need to place trust in him. I am anchored by my family who means everything to me. They bring me great joy and I feel honored to be associated with both my family of birth and the family that David and I have created. Our children truly are our greatest treasures and I'm so grateful that I will be with them even into the eternities.
That night spent watching the anchorage light of our buddy boat reminded me to look up and look toward the light even when it seems small in the darkness. It can bring us comfort and hope and still our fears.
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