We finished our cruise early last Thursday morning and were in the air most of the day trying to get home from Providence, RI. Thankfully, the flights both ways, both to and from the cruise ship, were on time and very smooth. We have been on a new ship, the American Liberty, one of the fleet of ships that sail for American Cruise Lines. It is a very small ship, holding only 100 passengers for a unique experience on the seas. It is a coastal cat – not really meant for the open seas and most of the trips follow the intracoastal waterway or stay close to shore traveling from island to island or port to port.
While most ships hold thousands of passengers, Janet and I have decided that we have never cared about the casino, the pools, the loads of kids that frequent most of these cruises. Therefore, we thought we would try the small ship experience – and we are so glad that we did. I think we have been converted to small ship passengers.
One of the things that we learned is that America Cruise Lines is very careful about there they sail. Crossing oceans or even sailing around the Hawaiian Islands jut doesn’t fit the profile of their market. The intimacy of the passenger experience is very important to them. Toward that end, in one week, we became quite a close community – much different than on the larger cruise ships.
Anyway, one of the liabilities of being on such a small ship is the fact that occasionally you feel the movement of the ship more than on other cruises we have been on. As with everything, there are trade-offs. The middle of last week, we were touring the southern part of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. After visiting Martha’s Vineyard, we were headed to Block Island, RI. Now we booked late and so we got the last cabin on the ship – Cabin 202, near the bow of the ship. Anyway, we departed Martha’s Vineyard around 5:00 a.m. and were cruising into somewhat choppy waters – 4’ seas, give or take. The boat started to jump a little and before we knew it, we were bouncing up and down in our stateroom. I had to smile to myself. In fact, it was fun!
Back when I was a small kid, my parents, brothers and I stayed at pretty inexpensive hotels when the family travelled. We loved it when we were able to get a room that had a little machine on the nightstand that accepted quarters and then proceeded to shake the bed! You may be old enough to remember “Magic Fingers”, the brand of the machine that provided endless entertainment for us boys in our cheap motels. Oh, the memories. Dad would laugh with us and we tried to speak while being tossed and turned, shaken and rolled, almost as if we were on an amusement ride. To make it even better, Mom HATED it! She was one to get motion sickness and as soon as she heard that low rumble of the machine start up, she was off the bed in a heartbeat – usually with no place to sit as our rooms were so small.
Anyway, as the ship made its way to Block Island, I just laughed out load as I recalled the fun times we had with Dad so many years ago… It was worth the disruption to our sleep to re-live my Magic Fingers experiences. In fact, I have to say that the experience on the ship was better than any Magic Fingers ride I ever had. It wasn’t enough to cause seasickness, and it was smoother in the back of the boat, but I absolutely loved the experience and the memory. Some passengers weren’t so high in their praise! And please don’t get me wrong – this was a one-time thing with the wind and waves just hitting us just right. I wouldn’t want it every time we were on the water between ports.
Our verse for tonight is from the Old Testament – Deuteronomy, the last book of the Pentateuch. Moses, the author, tell us in Deuteronomy 32:7, “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past – Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” Sometimes, I long for more of those experiences of the past! I fondly recall the lessons my parents and grandparents taught me – they certainly helped shape who I am today!
How much I appreciate the memories of my childhood. Clearly, I never know when something will remind me of years long gone that bring a smile to my face. My encouragement this evening is that we all have memories – hopefully fond memories – of childhood events long ago… My prayer is that God will bless each of us with many years ahead to continue and celebrate the unique life that he has gifted to each of us – replete with grand memories of days past! Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…