Wind and Sea Obey

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’ Mark 4:35-41

We spent the afternoon on the beach yesterday with our daughter and three of our grandchildren. The tide was coming in and the waves were a bit rough for the littlest one. Yet we swam and jumped in the water, delighting in every moment. As the afternoon wore on, we could see a thunderhead forming and the skies turning dark. The lifeguards were preparing to empty the beach. We left before they did so but didn't quite get back to house before the deluge began. We were soaked in the few seconds it took to get inside. The thunder and lightning came on strong. And we were safe. Those out on the water were not so safe. And we are reminded that we are safe in the arms of the Creator who has command over even the winds and the waves.

Gracious Creator, you share your bounty

you give us times of rest and leisure

we soak in the beauty that surrounds us

and fill ourselves with your good food.

The storms of life come and we panic

we forget who is truly in charge of all

we forget to trust that you will get us back

to the safe harbors and gentle shores.

Help us to trust you now and always

knowing that we are secure in your hands

living as children who are guided and guarded

sharing your love and peace with all. Amen.