Unexpected- Look, See, Pray

I don’t want to go on and on about it… but we’ve had a surplus of rain recently. There have been local floods (an inconvenience rather than a disaster) and the ground of Sussex is very soggy.

My photo shows what can happen if prolonged rain or a severe storm hits a mountain. Alpine weather is volatile!

Normally this is a small stream, trickling gently through the rocks. Overnight it changed. A sharp thunderstorm played “night light” music with flashes and booms- the next morning, the stream was a raging torrent. I used a slow exposure time of one-fifth of a second, which has recorded the water as pale veils ripping down the slope; spray “varnished” the rocks so they glistened moistly. The speed and power of the waterfall was quite intimidating (and the noise was high decibel).

How do we cope with the unexpected? It gives new motivation! Sudden and dramatic change, possibly a threat, dealing with the consequences of circumstances beyond our control?

Pretending we aren’t affected is silly. Relying on the time-honoured “stiff upper lip” of English stereotype may soften immediate panic, but doesn’t help us regain control. It also tries to hide vulnerability. Claiming exemption from consequences/suffering through faith may sound spiritual, but has little scriptural support!

Both Old and New Testaments promise that God will be with us:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5

In the words of Jesus himself: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

Christian discipleship is about walking in the way of Jesus, seeking to grow closer to Him, and acting out the same kind of actions as Jesus. Even a brief read through the Gospels will show that Jesus did NOT evade the trials and tensions of life. He faced danger and treachery; he confronted the proud and comforted the struggling.

His last hours must have felt like the impact of a terrible storm, yet his love for humanity allowed him to face the Cross, even Death.

One final thing about waterfalls… further downstream, the water will bless many. The fields will be enriched, the thirsty assuaged, and Life will spring from the torrent.

So it is with Jesus: the life taken on a Cross gained Resurrection and became the hope of all the ages and all the world.

God-who-is-with-us stays alongside; Life bubbles up from within. Two final scriptures offer the most wonderful hope in the Universe:

John 7:38-39: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”

Revelation 22:1-2: “Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

Living water, the water of Life… the deluge of grace to the thirsty heart & soul. Drink deep!

Rules? Look, See, Pray

Do rules make you dig your heels in and mutter “Shan’t” under your breath? Yes? Then I’m not alone.

I started thinking about this as I was editing the photo, only little tweaks, and the bright idea hit me. Why not remove the barbed wire to make it a charming donkey-portrait? So I tried.

So when you look carefully at the picture, you’ll be thinking “nice bit of photoshopping” right up to the moment when you see the wire is still there. Why? Because I realised it stood for something important.

Fences are there to keep the animals IN the safety of their field. Fences also help stop potential dangers from getting into the field.

It a rule, well, two rules. Stay In; and Keep Out. The donkey benefits from both. It might fancy an expedition to find greener grass- but the road is very busy so the “rule” keeps donkeys safer. And keeping out ijits who want to feed/ride/steal Mr Donk is a good thing.

God gives us “rules” for a similar reason; to keep us from harm, and keep us from harming others. Our record of keeping the rules isn’t good. Many of us think the “Ten Suggestions” are a multi-choice test, “attempt three from ten.”

The deeper purpose of the guidance God has given is to teach us wisdom so we learn the best way to life. I do find I am more receptive to rules if I understand WHY and TRUST the rule-setter. Some of you are probably less stroppy by nature and do “Keep off the Grass” when you see the sign. Also, you never break speed limits, never have naughty thoughts, and NEVER suffer temptation. Do you recognise yourself here?

Well, I’m far from perfect. But I have learned a very important lesson. Jesus said ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:30-31

When life is ruled by love, we only need those two rules.

Jesus also understands our struggles with human nature, and offers forgiveness, new beginnings, and NEW LIFE. This is what the Cross and Resurrection are all about. We are about to enter the season of Lent, a period of prayer and devotion leading up to Easter. (There’s a donkey in THAT story too.)

Meanwhile, remember that barbed wires fences can have painful consequences when ignored (or jumped). So keep an eye out- and keep God at the heart of life, then prove you love Him as you help and care for others.

Not a bad rule, that.

“Excuse me, Mr Cat…” Look, See, Pray

“Excuse me, Mr Cat, what exactly are your intentions? You seem to be loitering with intent by our bird table. Am I wrong to suspect you of planning a bloodthirsty misdeed?”

This isn’t our cat. We don’t have one. We do, however, feed the birds in our garden. The cat’s owners, living nearby, provide very well for the black-and-white panther. He (the cat, not the owner) is sometimes friendly, but often looks down on us as tenant-farmers who should supply livestock on demand. You know, mice are acceptable, and I once witnessed a thrilling safari onsite featuring a young magpie (who barely escaped).

The victor was a matter of a pinion- left in said cat’s possession.

A handsome cat, in a chunky thickset sort of way, but we do have very different views on the appropriate behaviour in a neighbour’s garden- not that the cat cares. We are lurkers in HIS domain, and that I can accept…

But waiting at the table in the hope we will blind the birdies by bribing them with sunflower seeds is a bit much. Paws off, chum!

Perhaps I could teach “our” birds to sing a psalm of protection? There are several candidates in the Bible, composed by people living under the threat of predators. This one might suit the birds- and us when we feel threatened…

Psalm 56:1-7
"Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
All day long they twist my words;
all their schemes are for my ruin.
They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
hoping to take my life.
Because of their wickedness
do not let them escape;
in your anger, God,
bring the nations down."