Reflection
Happy Tuesday of Holy Week!
Have you ever skipped stones or tossed rocks into a placid lake?
I did, just a few months ago… and typically I get three, or sometimes even 4 skips. But once – just once – I was able to count 8 solid skips from one rock.
What kind of rock would you throw?
I’ve always enjoyed a lake, or river, or ocean… there’s something about a body of water which reaches my spirit at a level that very few other things can. And when I find myself with a few moments to spare, I always find myself seeking out the perfect stone, and skipping it across the surface of the water.
It’s fascinating… and always amazing to me how it works. Sometimes, the pebble hits the water and just sinks — but sometimes, with the right stone, I can get as many as five skips out of a good side-arm huck. In either case — be it a one-plop drop or a triple-skipper — when the piece of earth breaks the surface of the water, it leaves it’s mark. Ripples form and travel, and can reach further than the eye can see.
There are so many different types of stones. Our journey through life is littered with rocks of tragedy, pain, and sorrow. We see it continually in the news, in our streets, even in our families and in our very own homes. The evil one throws stones of hurt, hate, and death into the lake — and when they hit the water, the ripples travel further than the eye can see.
Just take a moment to reflect on the last few years… A Global Pandemic, war and destruction, sickness and death, heightening racial tensions, political hurt and evil, murder — and our own personal hurts including the loss of relationships, connections, loved ones, or mounting financial issues and sickness… be they rocks of tremendous proportion or as a pebble, we can see first hand how an inestimable number of people can be affected by the wake they leave. Hearts hurt around the world.
Today’s Psalm (Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17), says,
“Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress.”
This scripture is so wonderful — it reminds us that there are other rocks we can throw. If we can bend down and grab the stones that Jesus has prepared for us — smooth stones of peace, hope, compassion, care, service, and love — the ripples that are left will move to shores far beyond our imagination. When we open our hearts, God can use us to help, to hold, and to heal. God truly lifts up those who are bowed down – and we are the tools he uses.
Perhaps *we* are God’s rocks.
The rocks we throw with Jesus — the work we do — is capable of affecting a number of people greater than we will ever know. Yes… further than the eye can see.
Dear Lord,
help us be the tools of your hands.
Let us be your rock,
skipping across the water,
and bringing love
to our world. Amen.
Peace and love to you, today and forever.
