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Monday, January 4, 2016

Remember



Today's reading brought me to Joshua 3-4, and particularly to the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan.  It never ceases to amaze me how many accounts in Scripture are parallel to one another, if not cyclical in nature.  I was thinking of this, just the other day, when I wrote about the feeding of the 5,000 followed by the feeding of the 4,000, and here it is again.  This crossing, although much different in context, certainly has some similarities to the parting of the Red Sea. 

I'm not sure it all comes together quite as neatly as I'm pondering all of this in my head, but it's interesting, at least, to think about the memorial that is set up once the Israelites have crossed over.  Throughout history, it seems that humanity needs outward signs set up as reminders.  I'm not sure we do an adequate job of returning to these places of memorial.  And by "we", I guess I mean "I".

Today, from Common Prayer, I read, "When I walk in darkness: Lord carry me through".  The Lord certainly carried the Israelites.  The Lord has certainly carried me.  And then, from the Psalms, I read, "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord" (89:15, NIV).  Well, that was thought provoking.  If the Lord carries us, if we are in the Lord's presence, can we really be walking in darkness?  Maybe not.  But sometimes it sure seems dark.

I wouldn't suggest spending all of your time in reflection, because living in the past, where we can no longer change things, is not the best place to be.  However, I think there are times when reflection is telling and when remembrance is necessary.  Today I am thinking about the many things in my life that have seemed impossible and consuming, at the time, but that no longer take up space in my head on a regular basis.  I'm pretty sure that if the Lord carried me through those times, the Lord can carry me through anything I am facing today and anything I will face tomorrow.  And this goes for you, too.  The Lord will carry you. 
 
L.

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