“O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. “
(Psalm 43:3)
TRAVEL STORY: STOPPING TO VIEW THE LIGHT
We were driving up the spectacular coastal highway from Los Angeles to San Francisco. All the hype surrounding this classic road trip paled compared to the actual journey. We stopped at more than one pull-out to 'ooh' and 'aah' at the dramatic cliffs, beaches, marine life, and crashing waves. When we got to Big Sur, we were compelled to stop again. At that point in the day, the sun was about to set. We parked the car and decided to watch and wait.
The scenic overlook was at the top of a cliff face. Natural grasses provided the only real barriers between our heights and the waves hundreds of feet below. Looking through my camera, aided by my zoom lens, I examined the waves as the light of the setting sun began to dance upon the water. As though the mythical Midas touched the sea, the water turned a golden hue. Liquid gold. It was a site unmatched, not even in royal palaces with all their regal splendor.
Water. Light. Treasure.
My heart goes to baptism and the eternal life that God bestows upon these waters. What a joy and delight to be a child of God; a comfort to know that our Creator has connected with us in such an intimate way. Because of God's life-giving act in baptism, we are part of God's life in this world. With that gift comes the incredible opportunity and responsibility to live as children of the light; to shine; to lighten the path of our neighbor in need.
If we take the time to stop along our day's busy travel, pull to the side of the road, get out and take the time to look carefully, what will we find? Will we experience the comfort and delight of simply being a child of God, loved by the Creator of golden waves that move to the rhythm of the cosmos? Or will we encounter the call of discipleship that expects us to do something with our lives for the sake of others? Will we be inspired to dwell in our baptismal identity against all that wishes to negate and limit our life? Will we be shaken from our complacency and comfort zones to shine the light and love of Jesus?
PRAYER:
light a candle (or four candles on your Advent wreath), take a breath, and pray…
O Come Perpetual Light and shine on those who live in darkness. From the shelter of my own home, I pray for those without a home, who have had to flee their homelands because of war, violence, and oppression. Open my heart so that there might be a place of welcome for refugees. Quiet any fears that might reside within and limit my own capacity for compassion. Open me to share with a generous spirit so that other might find a haven in my presence. Through the Resurrected Body of Christ, Amen.
Copyrighted 2019. Walt Lichtenberger. Permission granted to share with family and friends