Optical Illusions

Through our backyard, we have a peek of Garry Point Park.  I often look out to savour a glorious sunset…or you know - watch a huge cargo ship go by.  Whenever I see a freighter through the narrow space between our trees, it looks incredibly massive - ready to plow over everything in its way.  Watch out, kite flyers!  Look out, little terrier!  But walking in the park, a ship the same size seems nothing compared to the surrounding expanse of sea, land and sky.

A few weeks ago, Dr Henry announced new restrictions as the number of COVID cases continues to increase.  Every day, people are affected - losing work, being over-extended at work, unable to see one another in the most pressing and heartbreaking times, losing their health and yes - lives.  It is a huge, real problem, one that certainly cannot and should not be ignored, much as a paddle boarder should not ignore a cargo ship headed in her direction.

But what if instead of allowing it to take over our sight, we looked at COVID through a wider perspective?  How would it look within the expanse of God’s kingdom, of an eternal history?

A friend in our young adult group shared her prayer this summer for the persecuted church.  It was humbling to learn via https://www.opendoorsca.org about the struggles of our brothers and sisters and the strength of their faith - not having come through the other side, but in the very midst of their struggle.  It made me think of Joseph thrown in the well, sold off, imprisoned, Paul persecuted, Stephen stoned, John exiled in Patmos.  It reminded me of Jesus - our rejected, crucified Lord.  How could anyone not only endure such pain, but remain deeply in love with God and their fellow human beings - even their enemies and persecutors?

As I read their stories, I realized that they saw a greater, God-revealed, reality than what our eyes can or choose to see.  They saw their plight within full landscape view of the Kingdom.  This Advent - we await the coming of One greater than what the world sees.  Regardless of what else may be in our field of vision, may we direct our gaze upon his glory, may this expand our view of reality and move us with confidence and hope, in love for him and for others.

Lectio Divina

Read and meditate on 2 Kings 6:8-23 and Acts 7:51-60
Memorize:  2 Corinthians 4:16-18
What is a real problem, a worry, fear or anxiety that takes over your heart and mind?Bring it to the Lord today and pray for an opening of your eyes to his greater reality.

Karen Schaffer is the Pastor of Faith Formation at The Tapestry Richmond 
Photo by Randy Jacob