The wind blows wherever it will, and you hear the sound it makes, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

I pushed my toes into the white sand of an island off the coast of Belize in Central America. A towheaded missionary boy made a sailboat from half a coconut shell and a stick mast that skewered a leaf. It was a pastoral sight—the tan child grinning as his invention skittered across the lagoon and disappeared into the blue horizon. 

What I couldn’t see was the wind that carried the tiny craft. I knew neither the source nor the destination of that enchanted breeze. Nevertheless, the boat’s progress, and the boy’s smile, were positive testimonies to its presence.

The Holy Spirit is a breeze blowing empowerment and fragrant joy. This wind leaves flags and trees untouched and is only seen when receptive hearts flutter.

Oh, that I might have a responsive heart. For frustrating years I pointed my boat where I thought it should go, and prayed for God to move it. Not much happened.

The success of the coconut boat was in its bowl shaped hull that created no resistance in any direction. It zigzagged in response to every wisp. That’s where I need to be, finished with my worldly ballast and my rudder of self-direction, and responsive to every whim of the Spirit.

The pinnacle of my island serenity was the boy’s grin. He held no expectations for his creation’s progress. The coconut danced with the wind, and the boy rejoiced.

Likewise, God poses no demands for accomplishments from my own power. He only wants me to raise my sail and allow my boat to be carried by him. Then he smiles.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me respond to your every breath.