God's on a Bicycle with a Big Light - August 27
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 18:1-20; PM Psalm 18:21-50; Job 8:1-10, 20-22; Acts 10:17-33; John 7:14-36
One of the healthier habits I have picked up during this pandemic (I wish I could say they were all positive) has been cycling. A few months ago, I was introduced to riding with small groups and it has become something I really look forward to each week. One of the rides I have enjoyed is on Wednesday nights and the first group ride I joined, I was totally expecting for the ride to be finished during daylight. In fact, by my calculations and looking at the route that was shared, I was sure we would be finished. It never even occurred to me that I wouldn’t have everything that I needed. Remember, I am a newbie.
Ten to fifteen miles in, a rainstorm came and stopped our group for a good twenty minutes. We all gathered under the porch of an abandoned store in Bessemer, delaying our ride. Sure enough, by the last push home, it was pretty dark, and I was pretty nervous recognizing just how dangerous the situation was.
One of the riders with a big spotlight on the front of his bike and an obnoxious and equally desirable flashing light on the rear took his place behind me. (Please note, I now have an equally obnoxious flashing light and radar on the rear of my bike ). I think he sensed my worry and I was doing everything in my power not to be last.
On the second to last road, as we were climbing a hill, I hear this shout from behind, “Holes” just as his light covered a pothole in front of my bike. With a clear call and the assisting beam of light, the hole was not a threat and I easily maneuvered around it.
Here’s the thing. There are holes everywhere. And riders help each other avoid them. And when this rider (I still have no idea who he is) was behind me, I really had nothing to worry about, unless I refused to pay attention of course. Listen to the Psalmist in the second half of Psalm 18. “You, O Lord, are my lamp, my God, you make my darkness bright.” The darkness is there. It is with us. But God makes it bright.
I am struck with the words that God “make(s) my darkness bright.” There is an implication that there is a shadow side not only to everyone we encounter but ourselves as well. Isn’t this true? Think of all the energy and effort we spend covering up all that stuff we don’t want others to know about. We post pictures that make us look accomplished. Or we share articles and ideas and stories because we are scared our prejudices might be exposed. At the very least we are worried we won’t measure up to what we believe others expect of us.
But why are we scared? What are we afraid of? A pandemic? An election? That our sinful broken selves won’t compare to the story we have painted on social media and to our friends and families? God offers us an alternative. A light to make our darkness bright. Maybe God is riding right behind with a big spotlight saying that hole is nothing to worry about.
-John+
Questions for Self-Reflection:
What truths about yourself would you not want others to know about? What is the worst thing that could happen if someone found out?
Daily Challenge:
Pray about what you are naming. I invite you to consider making an appointment with one of our clergy for the Sacrament of Confession and Reconciliation. This powerful gift and sacrament can be a liberating gift in our lives.