OK...call me strange, or melancholy, but I must give you a slight peek into my thought life. Today my mind strayed--while driving in the fog--to a recent development in the lives of my "TV" friends on the Discovery Channel reality show, The Deadliest Catch. Now, for those of you who do not know what this show is--either you think TV is a sin or you can't stand a man show--I will give yo the short version.
The Deadliest Catch is about Alaskan Crab Fishermen who fish during winter on the Bering Sea. It is a brutal job. I don't know any of these people personally, but after several years of faithfully watching the show I feel that we are close friends. This brings me to my fog thoughts. Today I remembered the death of Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie, who passed away while filming this years season on Feb. 9th.
Captain Phil was near death with blood clots two seasons ago. He spent time in the hospital during filming and was doubtful in coming back for 2009. Matter of fact, he was told that getting back in the captains chair was a death sentence. Blood clots are nothing to play with and the extremely long hours in that chair didn't bode well! But Phil couldn't stay away! The chair called him every day with a deafening roar! He had to go back--his destiny was set--he'd die in that chair! He didn't actually die in the chair--but he was on the boat when the final blow (a massive stroke) took its toll. Phil decided that the experience in the chair was worth the price---he was only 53!
Do you feel that strongly about anything? Is there anything calling for you? Something that no matter what the price is for the experience, you're willing to pay it. You know, those dreams that people will despise you for reaching after! Those God ideas that test the metal of your faith because many don't understand the why! I made my first mad dash for the chair in my life several years ago. I had people saying, "Don't get in that chair or you'll lose everything!" I, like Captain Phil, realized that NOT getting in that chair was losing everything! I realized that if I didn't follow my heart, if I didn't make some drastic changes, if I didn't pursue the dream, that I would not experience everything God had for me!
Boy, am I ever glad that I made that choice! My life is blessed and I am enjoying the chair!
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Hey PR thats my favorite show actually i was watching a rerun today it was the show that captain Phil got sick two years ago. I heard him say, I have dreamed of dieing in that chair.I am so thankfull that you got in the chair and followed your heart,what God was asking of you rather than what man was, because of your obedience many lives have been changed awsome blog PR
ReplyDeleteAwesome stuff! I am glad I get to be in the room...in a way...while you are in that chair! Glad to call you pastor! GH
ReplyDeletePastor Rob,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to you! Passion the out-pulls the tug of peers, positions, and dollars captures a few hearts like ours. I too am glad I climbed behind the wheel of a vessel headed for a great adventure. Know that I admire your journey and pray continued blessings upon you. It's great to have you as my friend and fellow traveler. Great blog!!
I have been wanting to get into that chair for many years, but was tormented by the so called "rules". I am thahkful that when you went for the chair that you took us along. The chair is where I want to be; looking forward and experiencing the great things ahead. You are blessed with favor and the love of God's people.
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