Needing An Anchor

Anchor: A device usually of metal attached to a ship or boat by a cable and cast overboard to hold it in a particular place… a reliable or principal support… something that serves to hold an object firmly. (Merriam Webster)

Yesterday’s conversations with interesting people…

Chris was the captain of a Lowestoft fishing trawler. He talked about the fishing industry, the dangers, the hardships… After many years fishing he worked at sea laying cables on the seabed. He explained how the boat’s eight anchors held it steady; they had to manoeuvre the anchors in turn to lay the cable…

Our neighbour John was a carpet fitter. He talks about fitting out local pubs, clubs, housing estates… work done for Norwich City at Carrow Road. Yesterday he talked about making sure that the carpet is flat, problems with floors that aren’t quite level, the importance of the right carpet grippers – anchoring carpets down securely.

At our monthly Seagull Theatre directors meeting we discussed the programme of performances, community work, people involved, building developments, finances… We have a Seagull Nest Egg Fund, a safety net for the ‘just-in-case’, a security, a financial anchor…

Jacquie and I used to work together. She enjoys gardening, she has an allotment, she enjoys walking her dog, Otto. Next week she’s having a hip replacement. She wants to get back to her allotment and Otto-walking as soon as possible… She needs a new hip, ‘a reliable support’, a physical anchor…

Dave was explaining how his frontal-lobe dementia affects his mood and behaviour. Instead of controlling his thoughts or feelings he will sometimes let out a torrent of abuse, to the distress of his wife and family. He needs a reliable anchor to hold his mind and speech securely…

Musing… the old hymn…

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.

…A spiritual anchor: