My Heavy Boat
Apr 30th, 2007 by Glenn
I expect that most, if not all of you are familiar with Richard Dutcher’s departing words regarding his decision to leave the Church. He describes his situation by drawing the following metaphor:
Buddha once compared his teaching to a boat that helps us cross a river. But, once we get to the other side, no one would think of carrying the boat around on his shoulders. Although grateful for its service, no one would say, “Oh, this boat helped me to cross over the river, so I’m now going to carry it on my back.” The wise traveler would, obviously, leave the boat at the side of the river and continue on the journey. I now feel the need to–with respect and gratitude–lay down the boat and continue on. The past few years have been very difficult for me. I’ve been trying to continue my journey toward God while carrying a boat on my back. I hope no one will take offense at this metaphor. I’m not saying that all of us have to leave the boat of Mormonism behind. Many of you will arrive Home in these boats, I’m sure. But, for some unknown reason, our mutual Father in Heaven requires that I take another route. A large part of me would rather stay in the boat. I like the boat. But, my brothers and sisters, it’s time for me to start walking.
It’s a valid metaphor, and despite what my colleague Elder Knudsen might say, I am a big believer in Article of Faith #11 and therefore have no problem at all with Dutcher’s personal decision. But I also thoroughly enjoyed reading Brian Gibson’s clever and poignant response, so I simply must recommend it here. Enjoy!
“Boat prints in the sand”. You’re awesome! I can’t wait to read that. I really liked what he said, Bro. Gibson that is. His boat remind me of a blind fold I heard about once. There’s one for the blog, Although I know some readers wouldn’t approve. Anyway- I’ll keep my boat for now, I guess I should since I’m trying to build one with my kids. You know, “Sail together, Hail together”… Wait that doesn’t sound right.
You were aiming at “the family that prays together, stays together” weren’t you?
(it must be true — it rhymes)
One night I had a wondrous dream.
One set of footprints there was seen.
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.
And then the strangest print appeared.
I asked the Lord,” What have we here?”
This print is large and round and neat.
“But Lord, it’s much too big for feet.”
“My child,” He said in somber tones,
“For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and gained no strength.”
“You laid quite still. You would not grow,
This walk is not for me, you know.
So I got tired. I got fed up.
And there I dropped you on your butt.”
“Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight, and one must climb,
and one must rise and take a stand;
Or leave his butt-prints in the sand.”