An Offshore Wind

Colossians 3: 15-16 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

We are experiencing a series of days here in Cabo San Lucas where the winds are going from the land out onto the ocean. This phenomenon is called an offshore wind. The water near shore is relatively calm. But not too far offshore there are white caps on the waves. In my mind, that is very much how life is. It all looks good, until you venture out into the deep waters of life.

Often we take a short sighted view of our lives. We look at the next day or the next week and see calm and no struggles on the horizon. But that is an illusion, or a mirage at best. Life will bring struggles. We can and should count on that occurring. Illness or injury, trouble at work and struggles at home with family are just a few examples of opportunities for difficulties to enter into our lives. These troubles can be totally out of our control. They just show up. And we have to deal with them. Fortunately, we are not alone. The Lord is with us always. We also have the cloud of believers that surrounds us (see Hebrews 12:1). We can reach out asking for a hug, a prayer, a kind word or for a hand extended in support. That cloud of believers puts a face and a tangible feel to the Jesus we all love and worship. He is alive and He moves among us using one another as a physical example of His love for all. Today and everyday "let the message of Christ dwell among you richly". Be there for one another. For we do not know when it will be our turn to be in need of that hug sent from Jesus.

Prayer: Father, Your Son lived and died for us poor sinners. He admonishes us to love others as He loved us. That kind of love, that sacrificial kind of love can be daunting and we can fall away from showing that kind of love for others. Help us dear Lord to be the people You would have us be. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.