The Old Man’s Contemplation
The old one wanders around
the trees wondering aloud
how others perceive him.
Perhaps observed like a burr oak
sturdy enough but hanging
on to leaves far too long?
He hates to think that there are
some who see him as prickly
as a cedar whose foliage
could draw blood or anxious as
tangled branches on barren shrub.
Hopefully, on a good day
some view him as a soft needled
pine that is gentle to hug.
The potential comparisons
are endless and interesting.
How do you regard yourself
from one day to another?
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Mark 9:2-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.
And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”
Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them anymore, but only Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
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Worthy of Remembering
It can be entertaining when a story is told by a group of people who have seen the same thing. Some will agree upon the experience being discussed, while others see it in an entirely different way. The transfiguration of Jesus is one of those pivotal moments that everyone could agree upon! Yet I would imagine that later each of the three disciples might have written or told the story a little differently, depending upon their lives at the time.
During these warmer days I’ve been walking my dog each afternoon at the park. Many times, I reach out to touch the textures of the trees, pine needles, and bark. It seems important to use the sense of touch and smell as well as sight. The differences please me without fail. Our Creator has made each plant, tree, and human uniquely. It is a gift to recognize and hold each one in gratitude.
We pray for you and see you as worthy, loved as a special human created in God’s image.
Rev. Marta Wheeler
P.S. Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day this year. Come observe with us as we begin Lent in memorable ways. If you receive this weekly mail, there will be a change. Beginning next week, you’ll receive devotions by different authors. I think you’ll enjoy learning from authors you’ve not read before.