A VESSEL IN THE OFFING
Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. She and her husband Alan moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near her son, daughter-in-law and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com Crossing a two-lane bridge from the mainland to Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina has become a frequent path for Alan and me. We travel the bridge to attend church, walk on the beach, visit local stores and restaurants and to visit friends. An area across the street from our church provides a scenic view of water animals, the ebb and flow of the tides and watching people with fishing equipment preparing for the next big catch. There is an area of the bridge with a small hill in order for small boats to travel underneath without the need of a drawbridge. Traveling on the bridge, we wait for our car to reach a certain area. No matter how many times we cross over, we know a glorious view of the ocean is waiting. On a recent trip to the island, I looked straight ahead waiting for the vast body of water to come into view. When my eyes caught sight of the ocean, my thoughts turned into spoken words. I pointed to the ocean and said, “A vessel in the offing.” Excitement filled my mind seeing a huge ship. Wondering where the vessel was going and where it had been, my imagination filled with possibilities.
By Melissa Henderson
Alan looked at me with a strange expression. “You’ve never said that before. A vessel in the offing. What made you say that?”
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Truly, I am not a nautical person at all. I don’t like boat rides or being in deep water. Yet, watching the ships or “vessels” brings happiness and interest. Pausing, I thought about how humans are “vessels”. Sometimes we are “hollow containers” and other times we are filled with many emotions and thoughts. There are times when we are in the “offing” with friends and family. We are at a distance with relationships. Think about your relationship with God. Are you a hollow container when you meet people? Or are you filled with His love and glory? Are you like a ship in the distance or are you ready to share the message of God and His love? Are you “a vessel in the offing” just waiting for Him? He loves you and He seeks you in every moment. Share conversation with God. He is waiting. Have a wonderful day and enjoy His blessings, Melissa Henderson
Photos by Melissa. Right is Breach Inlet, between Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.
