Anchored to grace

In the summer of ‘65, at age 5, I watched Dad gather materials to build a small rowboat for my two brothers.
To say I was jealous would be an understatement. It was a gift for them to explore the channels around our beach house at Cedar Island. As with any gift like that, came the rules. My brothers could only use the boat in the canals, and I could only be in it if they were with me, or if it was anchored to the dock. My pride was wounded.
One day, while the boat was tethered to the dock, I sat inside enjoying the gentle rocking of the waves when I noticed the knot beginning to loosen. With no one looking, I started nudging it with my foot until it came free. Finally, I could show Dad I was just as big as my brothers. I grabbed a paddle and began rowing toward shore, but the current was too strong. I started drifting toward the open waters of the Gulf.
Then I saw my dad standing on the front porch, calling for my brother. Before I knew it, my brother was in the water, swimming to my rescue. There was no punishment – just a quiet understanding of why I needed to stay anchored to something stronger than myself.
Looking back now, I know that moment wasn’t just about a boat and a rope. It was a picture of life. We all have times when we want to prove we’re strong enough to make it on our own. So, little by little, we loosen the rope. We drift.
The currents of this world – temptation, pride, fear, distraction – don’t always pull hard at first. Sometimes it’s slow and gentle, barely noticeable. Until suddenly, we’re farther from God than we ever meant to be. Still, even when we drift, we’re not beyond rescue.
The Apostle Peter was passionately anchored to Jesus. Peter deeply loved and followed Him closely, yet in a moment of fear, he denied knowing Jesus three times (Luke 22:54–62). When the rooster crowed, Peter wept bitterly. He must have wondered if that failure had ended his story. But Jesus didn’t leave Peter in his shame. After the resurrection, He met Peter on the shore (John 21). Over a simple breakfast, Jesus asked him three times, “Do you love me?” – one invitation for every denial, one whisper of grace for every regret.
Peter was re-anchored! This same man who had once been afraid became a bold witness for Christ. His failure wasn’t the end of his story. It was the turning point.
Just like my brother pulling me back to shore, God doesn’t scold us when we’ve drifted. He rescues. He restores. He re-anchors us in His love.
What has pulled you away? Maybe it’s the slow, quiet tug of busyness – too much noise, not enough stillness. Maybe it’s pain you didn’t expect, or grief you didn’t know how to carry. Maybe it’s the kind of weariness that makes you loosen your grip, without even realizing it.
I’ve known those waters too. I have often felt adrift in this world – the ache of being unanchored. And thankfully, I have also known the rescue. God doesn’t wait on the dock with a list of our failures. He comes to us, calls us back, and holds steady until we’re safe again.
Remember, no matter how far we’ve gone, no matter how strong the current… being anchored to grace is what keeps us steady.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” — Hebrews 6:19

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.