The pure and unadulterated message of the Cross is so powerful that, if we grasp it with both hands, we will find ourselves on a fantastical adventure towards fulfilment, both personally, and for those whose lives we touch - and even for those whose lives we never come near! Paddling in the wake of the Cross is a bumpy and unpredictable ride, and we often find ourselves in the company of unusual fellow pilgrims - weird and wonderful humans, as well as the ‘spotted and speckled’ members of the animal kingdom. It’s these unlikely comrades who often bolster our faith in extraordinary ways as we huddle together in our storm-tossed boats, encouraging each others’ souls and spirits to carry on paddling, praying and interceding. And, as our intimacy with our Lord grows, we find that our paddling becomes less frantic as we learn to rely more and more on the One who makes the “rough places smooth.” (Isaiah 45:2)