High Tide – JULY 20

Good Monday morning, all! There’s an adage that says, “A high tide raises all the boats.” In the marine world, this means that no matter what vessels are in the harbor or at the dock, when the tide comes in, all boats are lifted by the rising waters. Sometimes, the tide is so far out that boats actually come to rest on the sand or mud, essentially rendered useless and unable to get underway. Others times, novice boaters unaware of the tidal ebb and flow will moor at a beach, only to find that they are stranded when the tide recedes. Then, they have to wait until the tide comes back in to make their boat float again. Whether the vessel is a small johnboat, a regal sailboat, or a sturdy shrimp boat, it is affected by the tide. A low tide can ground the most seaworthy vessel, while a high tide will raise all the boats.

The same idea applies to our daily lives. A high tide – those who exhibit kindness, excellence, respect, helpfulness, patience, and understanding – will raise all the “boats” around them. A low tide – those who are negative, slackers, egotistical, arrogant, will cause everyone around them to get stuck in the mud and unable to move forward. Sheryl Sandberg says, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” That is, be the high tide that raises all the boats. As people of faith, we know this well, for Scripture gives us many examples. Romans 12:9-18 calls us to Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor…and more. Be that high tide that allows everyone else around you to live into their purpose, to become better, and to live into their gifts as you life into yours.

Have a great week! Work smartly. Laugh deeply. Shine your light. Play nicely with others. And rest well.