Revelations in a mighty wind – August 25
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:1-24; PM Psalm 12, 13, 14; 1 Kings 3:1-15; Acts 27:9-26; Mark 14:1-11
Our ten-year-old came home sick last week from school and tested positive for COVID-19. Her symptoms have been mild and we anticipate she will make a full recovery. Her diagnosis means quarantining in the house and in isolation for 10 days. A few days into her room-bound situation, I remembered the setting of a movie I first watched when I was Josephine’s age…a grandfather (played by Peter Falk) reads a story of adventure to his recovering grandson (played by Fred Savage). I loved the movie so much that for Christmas, I also received the book by the same name, The Princess Bride by William Goldman.
As Josephine was cooped up, I had visions of sharing the tale of “fencing, fighting, true love, miracles”, and so I set up in the hallway outside of her room, propped against pillows. I began to read aloud. Page after page. She is entranced by the story (a little different from the movie) and I am thrilled to get to read it with her. Last night, we read a passage about a princess from the neighboring country of Guilder visiting the country in question, Florin. Princess Noreena was a potential bride for the pompous Prince Humperdinck. As they are having a stately and festive meal, a huge wind sweeps through the great hall – so powerful that it is referred to as a nor’easter – creating havoc by ultimately ripping off the princess’ hat, only to reveal she is bald.
As I relish reading this book to my daughter, I thought it would merely be funny to work it in to a reflection at some point. What I did not realize was that this very morning in the Acts of the Apostles, we would be reading of a steady south wind that began to blow, that then turned into a northeaster. Paul and his compatriots on the boat were whisked out of their planned path and tossed about savagely. Without food and tackle, as they tried to lighten their load by all means, Paul gives a speech. First, he admonishes them, saying that he wished they had heeded his warnings against travel. Nevertheless, he encourages them to stay strong and “keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, only of the ship.” (v. 22) He then tells them of an angel from God who came to him and imparted words of encouragement, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before the emperor; and indeed, God has granted safety to all those who are sailing with you.” (v. 25)
The days around us are windy. We get diverted down paths that we had not intended. Plans change and we feel afraid. Or irate. Or devastated. So, if you are on an unwanted pathway or part of the ocean today, hear Paul’s words to those sailing with him: “So keep up your courage, [folks], for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we will have to run aground on some island.”
Hang in there, friends. Pick up a good book to read and keep saying prayers to our God who is always present when we are in need.
Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What is a memory you have of being sick? Who helped care for you? What nourished you?
Who is someone you have cared for?
Daily Challenge
Think of someone who is going through an unexpectedly hard time. Take twenty minutes to do two things: first, pray for that person. Ask God to guide your hands and heart in ways to bring stillness and encouragement. Second, reach out to that person through a card or phone call. Let them know you are praying for them.