These states of moving on the water are taken from Tim Keller’s book, “Prayer.” His application of the metaphor concerns faith.
Consider the idea of life. Are you sailing, rowing, drifting, or sinking?
Sailing is when the wind is at your back; the motion of life carries you exactly where you intend to go. The sails are open, and everything is smooth. Life is the best.
Rowing is your concerted effort to be headed in the right direction. The wind might be low, but your sweat equity keeps your life on course. Life is still good.
Drifting is a point of exhaustion. A one-day lull has turned into a week of minimal effort. You’re likely off course at this point because of missed timelines or misdirection. A lack of personal maintenance or giving up due to circumstances has brought you here. Life is hard, and you await someone or something else to turn it around.
Sinking – you’re taking on water. The effort is gone, and you need rescuing more than anything. Life is bad.
So, where are you today? Is life best, good, hard, or bad? What can you do? Who do you need to ask for some help?