Tuesday October 17, 2017

Jesus said, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”                        
                                                                                                                                 Matthew 16:3
            TV weather channels are fascinating.  It’s amazing that they can show us air masses forming over Asia, and then define the track that the weather system will follow to America.  Meteorologists now know so much about the inner workings of tornadoes, tsunamis, and hurricanes.  If only we could see the signs of danger and of hope as clearly in our world.  Perhaps we can, and we just don’t want to face what we see. With the testing of nuclear missiles, the bombing of whole cities in what is ironically called The Holy Land, and with so many people in dire need in every part of the earth, it can be hard to face reality.  It can even be difficult to look at the positive signs, because something in us is afraid to hope.  
         But just as we cannot stop the weather from coming by refusing to watch weather forecasts, we can’t stop life from unfolding by ignoring its dangers and its blessings.  In God’s presence, and with his spirit to guide and inform us, we need not be afraid.  Look at the signs, and listen for God’s words.  In God’s presence, it is safe to see, to understand, and to respond.
©Carol Dean Henn, 2017