[311 words]
Harry Vardon was golf’s first superstar. The British golfer had become a cornerstone of golf popularity in the United States after an American tour in 1900 that ended with him winning the U.S. Open. In 1912 he was planning a return tour to America after overcoming tuberculosis. He was to arrive to huge fanfare on the greatest vessel of his day. The voyage had to be canceled when his disease came back. Harry was devastated thinking his comeback was over.
Jack Johnson was the world heavyweight boxing champion. At the peak of his fame, he too was planning to board the greatest vessel of his day on a trip. But it wasn’t an illness that keep him ashore, it was racism. The black fighter was refused passage on the vessel because of his color.
As tragic as these may seem, both men would later speak about how glad they were that they missed the boat, even with the terrible circumstances that caused it to happen. That’s because that boat was the HMS Titanic. As you probably know maiden voyage would be it’s last.
Life can be strange that way. Things we think are tragic may actually be a benefit. Moments we praise can in turn be the start of our downfall. We live in moments not always able to see how those moments build up toward the future.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
That why in all the things we go thru we need to trust in God. He can see what lies ahead, we cannot. He can understand the curves when it just feels like we are being tossed around. He knows when the voyage is safe and when it leads to the depths.
Barry Haynes
Hope church of Christ
Hope, AR