NATURE’S HIDDEN WONDERS
Submerged under thick shiny ice
the river freely flows and schools
of cold-blooded fish hang out
in survival mode together.
Above the dense, white clouds
heavy with snow, the concealed
atmosphere is an amazingly
vibrant cerulean blue.
Hidden beneath the log fallen
on the path in the snowy woods
caterpillars, snails, and bumblebees
hide until the warmth of spring
beckons them, “Come out! It’s time!”
Through the layers of skin, muscles,
and tendons, the human heart nestles
between two lungs, circulating
life-giving, oxygenated blood.
Give thanks for the miracle we are.
Oh, how often we see only the
outer layer while the vulnerable
one at the inner depths who meets
the Holy One goes unnoticed!
At the depths of our beings
dwells the Spirit of Christ and a
sense of calm, once we sink past
any anxiety, sadness, or anger.
May we give thanks for all that
is submerged and cannot be seen
within our limited views and behold
the boundless beauty within.
Jesus Calls Disciples
Luke 5:1-11 (CEB)
5 One day Jesus was standing beside Lake Gennesaret when the crowd pressed in around him to hear God’s word. 2 Jesus saw two boats sitting by the lake. The fishermen had gone ashore and were washing their nets. 3 Jesus boarded one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, then asked him to row out a little distance from the shore. Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4When he finished speaking to the crowds, he said to Simon, “Row out farther, into the deep water, and drop your nets for a catch.”
5 Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.”
6 So they dropped the nets and their catch was so huge that their nets were splitting. 7 They signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They filled both boats so full that they were about to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw the catch, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Leave me, Lord, for I’m a sinner!”9 Peter and those with him were overcome with amazement because of the number of fish they caught.10 James and John, Zebedee’s sons, were Simon’s partners and they were amazed too. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.” 11 As soon as they brought the boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.
The Net is Cast Wide
My attention was first drawn to what is beneath the surface of the ice when walking a portion of the circumference of Standing Bear this past Monday. The next day when we walked at the OPPD Arboretum, there was even more awareness of what is underneath logs and rocks and even beyond the clouds. Perhaps curiosity grows when our eyes are not feasting on trees budding or grass greening as will happen in the springtime.
I hear this scripture of Jesus Calling His Disciples a bit differently this year when listening to people whose life feels overwhelming.
In prayer, let’s drop the imaginary fishing line from our minds down into our hearts.
In that heart-space, release the feeling of dread and other burdens. You may be overcome with grief when a person close to you has died, or fearful during that period of waiting before or after surgery. Many are feeling fatigue from being alone during this pandemic and unable to get out and do what helps them be energized.
Picture the net being cast wide. You are enveloped in the compassionate love of Christ within the net. Breathe in a sense of peace and smile.
God’s love and peace to you and all,
Marta
Rev. Marta Wheeler
To view or download a PDF version of this devotional, click here: Devotional MW 2022-02-09