Editor’s Note: This mini-series will explore Christian themes seen through kayaking and canoeing.

An avid kayaker recently said to me, “It is a perfect day to kayak. I observed the wind and today it is just right.” He then proceeded to tell me how the wind was coming from the northeast and was ideal for kayaking the Allegheny River.

When the wind is on the back of the kayaker there is momentum. The kayak begins to glide over the water’s current with the help of the tailwind.

Anyone who has kayaked knows the challenge of paddling into the wind. Even with the help of the river’s current, the wind presents difficulty in making progress.

A challenge in life is having interactions with others that are difficult. In these challenging interactions it seems as though the wind is in our face and that a conversation with that person is always harder than it should be. This is a common experience as humans share different temperaments, interests, and personalities.

However, as that wise kayaker noted, the wind can be a support for building momentum. A hidden gem of Christianity is known as spiritual momentum.

When we specifically pray for the people with whom we find conversations or interactions to be difficult, spiritual momentum begins to build.

Instead of focusing on the negativity of past encounters or ruminating about the potential frustrations of future encounters, spiritual momentum calls upon the Holy Spirit to put the wind on our backs so to speak.

Consider praying for spiritual momentum for specific situations and encounters with those who are challenging. Remember that even a kayaker who has the wind on his back must still prudently navigate the kayak. Like the kayaker building upon the wind’s momentum, we also must prudently navigate and charitably interact with others through spiritual momentum.

Luke Daghir is a seminarian for the Diocese of Erie. He is with St. Joseph Parish for his summer mission. He enjoys kayaking and canoeing while seeing the beauty of nature. His column appears every other week.