Outside the Silver Fox Yacht Club where I discovered that first dime years ago, is a huge mural on the side of the wall of the building. It’s directly adjacent to the Silver Fox Yacht Club, which is right beside the Summerside Harbour, where all the pleasure boats and yachts find their port. The mural is about 15 feet high and 30 feet wide with three sailing ships, and in the middle, the Bluenose – the fastest sailing ship known in the world in its day.
So where does the blessing, freedom provision come from? The bluenose was used for three exclusive purposes; three seasons if you will. It was a racing vessel and was the fastest ship in its fleet never losing a race providing blessings for its captain and the crew. The original Bluenose was built in Lunenburg’s legendary Smith and Rhuland Shipyard to compete for the International Fisherman’s Trophy. In October 1921, the Bluenose won her first race and for the next 17 years, she defeated all contenders. In 1928, the Bluenose defeated the Thebaud in the final race series and was named Queen of the North Atlantic fishing fleet. The Bluenose had become the pride of Nova Scotians and in 1937, the Canadian dime was changed to include an image of the mighty ship. Blessing.
In the off-season, it was also a fishing vessel providing bounty from the sea. Bluenose Captain Angus Walters and the builders who crafted the sleek vessel had something to prove. Their sights were set on the International Fishermen’s Race. For a working fishing schooner, speed was a tremendous asset. Those who made it to port first fetched the best price for their catch. The Fishermen’s Race was no token competition for privileged yachts. It was a real race for the hard-working vessels of fishermen who made their living on the sea. Nova Scotia’s pride and shipbuilding reputation sailed with Bluenose. Provision.
When it wasn’t racing or fishing it entertained tourists out at sea. Catching a good wind is one of the most exhilarating sailing moments to be experienced on Bluenose II, built in 1963. Cutting through the waves as the wind stretches the sails and the vessel picks up speed is a rush that’s not forgotten. The serenity that can present itself on the sea is just as powerful. Many have imagined that moment of sailing, no land in sight, surrounded only by calm waters and open sky. Few can say it’s part of their job. Freedom.
For those who hear this story and believe that something of God just might be on it,… they too start to find dimes. It’s my hope that your faith might be increased, and that God’s hand of blessing, provision and freedom would be poured out on you, on your family, on your church, and on your country. If you don’t look for them, but rather set your eyes on Him, you may just be surprised what comes your way. John 3:8 — The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
Those who wish to enter the kingdom of God must become like little children. Watching children play is a real blessing. Watching the children share and provide for each other is a parent’s delight. Watching the freedom with which children engage in life is truly momentous. Jesus wants us to embrace the child that lives in all of us, the child we were created to be. “One day children were brought to Jesus in the hope that he would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shoo them off. But Jesus intervenes: let the children alone, don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these. After laying hands on then he left”. Matthew 19:13&14
Brother Andrew
Expressions from Summerside Community Church 