Scripture: Mark 8:22-26
They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Can you see anything?" And the man looked up and said, "I can see people, but they look like trees, walking." Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, "Do not even go into the village."
Reflection Questions:
In the ancient world, seeing was connected with knowing and understanding. What do you have the hardest time seeing (knowing/understanding)? What barriers does your limited sight create when it comes to relating with others? What would it mean for you if God gave you sight?
Five-minute Story:
By the time we arrived at Indian Gardens, I was ready for a break. Throughout the three-thousand-foot descent to this point on the Bright Angel Trail, the patch of trees and greenery beckoned us onward. It is at the halfway point between the Rim of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. It was also our destination, as far as we would go on our Day Hike.
The Havasupai people, who still dwell in the Grand Canyon, settled seasonally in this area until the United States Government forced them out. Now it is a place for the mules and hikers to rest and water. A primitive campground provides limited overnight accommodations for those with permits.
Oasis. Until this weary traveler plodded into Indian Garden, I’m not sure I’ve ever appreciated the gift that an oasis can be to those who travel in the heat of the day. Despite efforts to leave the Rim at sunrise, it was midday by the time that we arrived at this natural place of refreshment. Things quickly heated up. The temperature exceeded 90 degrees as the sun crept to the center of the sky. At such heat, the body seems to tire with greater ease, and the canteen empties at a higher rate.
The trail, long and narrow since leaving the switchbacks that hug the canyon wall, seemed itself to take on a different character. It squiggled a bit more, perhaps even giggling a little. Mirth and joy seemed to pop out of the bushes that suddenly appeared. Water brings life to the land itself. Trees and leaves cast their cooling shade over the invigorated earth. When you enter Indian Garden, you enter a welcome place where life thrives. Just thinking about it makes me smile and take a deep and cleansing breath.
It wasn’t too long before I found a place to lay down beside a rushing stream. Resting against the base of a tree, I lowered my brimmed hat over my eyes. Rest. Shade. Running water. Oasis. All these things came to me as a gift, and I received each as a blessing. Just as cool water revives a thirsty body, so do blessings renew the soul.
This past week, the stories from Mark and me, have lifted up the ‘out-of-control’ nature of life itself. No matter how much we seek to dictate, plan, command, schedule, and exercise agency upon life, we are unable to orchestrate what happens in and around our lives. We can’t be smart enough, efficient enough, prepared adequately to cover every contingency. Control is a mirage that we so want to be real. But it is illusory just the same.
When the path gets rocky, we might attempt to control things nonetheless. Because we can’t control life, our fruitless bid could lead to more chaos and brokenness. Powerlessness is not a good feeling. It creates despair and fear within. Efforts to control can also isolate us from others and God. We buy into the lie of being alone. Alone. Broken. Beaten.
Jesus invites us to let go of the illusion of control. Just as we might exhale a deep breath from our body - let go of our paltry aspirations to be in charge. Let go of our blasphemous endeavor to be God. Receive the gift of our next breath instead. It comes from God. Oasis.
Our journey continues tomorrow…