Paying Attention

I have a basic principle about going sailing under risky conditions. My question is this: If something goes wrong and I need to be rescued, will my rescuers say to me: "So, what made you think it was a good idea to go out on the water today?" If my answer is, yes, they would probably have reason to ask that, I know that I need to stay on the shore.

You see, all too often rescues occur on Lake Erie when unwise or inexperienced boaters head out despite the fact that all indications are that conditions will most certainly be dangerous. Now, of course, weather can descend suddenly, with little forewarning... and sails, engines and rigging can fail, resulting in an emergency situation. But I'm not talking about the accidental events.

I'm talking about the ones where all of the signs of temperature, barometric pressure, wind velocity and, quite simply, the appearance of the sky, all say: Sailors beware!!!! Bottom Line.... far too many "accidents" could have been avoided by some simple vigilance.

Jesus spoke about the folly of ignoring the signs of God's action breaking loose. In this week's reading from Luke 12 we hear again, that the word of God unleashes truth that will result in an upending and overturning of life and relationships as the world would have them. These truths about the way we are to live may unsettle families or communities who would prefer to call their own shots. When we follow the Lord's call upon our life and upon our "possessions", we may find ourselves separated from (or in conflict with) the more popular values and directives of "the world".

But God's Hand is extended to us at all times...ready to enfold us so that we will pass through even the most frenzied tumult in His Wholeness. When we see storms on the horizon, we are called to pay attention... We are called to follow the path that He cuts through the perils... and we are called to serve as beacons to the others who either cannot or will not hear His voice.

With all the magnitude of suffering and oppression that exists and thrives in the world, not to mention the basic fact that nature can turn from benevolence to fury, isn't it wonderful that Christ has taught us how to "pay attention"? When the church is faced with economic trials, differences in how we see "mission and vision", and yes, even when we find ourselves divided by the way we interpret scripture, we still are held securely in God's Hand.

We may not always read the "signs" accurately. We may even foolishly set out upon a course that is not at all in our best interests.

But here's the Good News.... The darkness and storm of even our worst choices can not ultimately defeat the Light of Christ! When we err, when we fail, God meets us, Christ redeems us and the Holy Spirit compels us to show up again, to do our best to read the opportunities and challenges on the horizon, and to trust that God's Hand is leading us!