February 2008

It seems as though the most profound moments in life often come when we are least expecting them. Often they go by without even being noticed if we are not looking at the world through spiritual eyes. I am thinking of a day just this past September when I was sitting at the ocean in my car, having a morning bagel and watching the sea gulls enjoy the leftovers from the beach crowd. Suddenly the day changed drastically as what had been a bright and beautiful sky turned dark and foreboding, with huge cumulous clouds racing at us from the south as menacingly and rapidly as I have ever seen.

It is wonderful to be at the beach when something like that happens because the horizon is wide and open and you can see for miles and miles. Anyway, I was fascinated with the way these particular clouds rolled into sight, quickly filling the sky with an oncoming storm.

I first thought about our ancestors here, many of whom made their living from the sea. I once read through some of the early records of the church and was fascinated by the way that the Rev. Nathaniel Huntting had carefully recorded the deaths that occurred during the years of his ministry here. Among the causes like “consumption” and “child birth” I found this sad and telling entry more than once: “Lost at sea”.

Then just as quickly my thoughts turned to a spiritual application and I remembered the story of Jesus going out in the boat with his disciples. While he slept peacefully in the bow of the boat, the storm clouds gathered in just the same way – unexpectedly and quickly, overwhelming the crew who were soon afraid for their lives. His words then are as significant to us today as they were when they were first spoken: “Peace, be still”.

Suddenly I was in one of those profound moments. I thought about my life, about my fears and worries - things that were consuming me at the time. And I thought about Jesus’ words: Peace, be still. Such a simple message and yet so full of God’s love and wisdom! If only I could make that message part of my daily meditation, perhaps things like paying bills and fixing leaky faucets would find their proper perspective and I would worry less and enjoy life more.
Like I said – a profound moment. Simply from watching storm clouds mount in an autumn sky. I went home and wrote those words on a piece of paper and lay it in my make-up drawer where I would was sure to see it every morning before I left the house. Peace. Be still. What a perfect way to start the day - with God’s peace and with a still heart, ready and waiting for the next lesson, the next profound moment. May I always be open to those moments!

Until next month,
Barbara