During the winter seasons, the Great Lakes can become quite temperamental. When gale force winds are blowing, Lake Erie has been known to get waves as high as 25 feet. Lake Erie seems to be the most temperamental of all the Great Lakes. This is because it is the shallowest. Of the thousands of estimated shipwrecks, 25% are thought to lie at the bottom of Lake Erie. Lake Erie is 2nd smallest in terms of surface area among the five Great Lakes. To be more precise, Lake Erie accounts for 10.5% of the total surface area of all the Great Lakes. Let that sink in. Lake Erie which accounts for 10.5% of the total surface area has 25% of the shipwrecks. The number is disproportionate in part because Lake Erie is so shallow. Because it does not have as much depth, its waters become turbulent more easily. The result is a lot more shipwrecks. A lack of depth has led to disproportionate destruction.
I think Lake Erie has something to remind us about ourselves. When we are emotionally shallow or lack depth in our thinking, it seems we have similar results. Why do we get so temperamental sometimes? I think in part it is because we lack the emotional maturity to handle the situation. Or perhaps we lack the perspective to think clearly. Or maybe we fail to listen. In short, we lack depth. When we lack depth, smaller incidents can turn the waters of our emotions into a turbulent sea. We fly off the handle more easily. We say things we regret. We hurt those that we love. I wonder how many of us have left a disproportionate number of shipwrecked lives in the wake of our anger?
Let me give you a few recommendations from the Bible that can help add some depth to your life. Firstly, be quick to listen (James 1:19). A lack of understanding and real communication has led to many unnecessary fights. Secondly, put your problems in perspective (Romans 5:3-5). The Bible teaches us that when put our faith in God, even those things that cause us to suffer are being used to make us better. God loves you immensely and is using it for your good. Just take a deep breath and keep your cool. Finally, love others deeply (1 Peter 4:8). Simply love others the way God has loved you. The people God has placed in your life are infinitely more important than your personal preferences. Love them from the heart. We are not meant shipwreck them. We are meant to help make sure their ship makes it safely to shore. Let’s learn from Lake Erie and add some depth to our lives.