The bluffs were beautiful. Sometimes wisps of clouds would catch on the trees. The sunsets behind the western bluffs were stunning. The waves of green as the leaves emerged in the spring made my heart sing.
What I didn’t think about much was how much the bluffs reduced my view of the horizon. The bluffs were like a comforting embrace, a ring of rock that protected us. But they also blocked our view. We couldn’t see very far with the bluffs in the way.
Since moving to the Green Bay area, I am amazed at the clouds. So many clouds, and they seem to move differently than in my last community. I drove out to Bayshore Drive in Suamico to see the early morning sun in the picture above, and the sky was huge! So much to see in every direction - with no bluffs blocking my view!
Everything seems different. Sometimes it’s a big difference, sometimes it’s a small difference, but it is different.
Amidst all this change, I am comforted by the reminder in Hebrews that Jesus doesn’t change, no matter what I am going through. But … while Jesus doesn’t change, sometimes I need to move to get a better view of Jesus. Sometimes I am in a spiritual place where I can’t see very far. I may feel comfortable and protected, but I can’t see the full picture of what Jesus wants me to see.
In Luke 9:1-6, Jesus sends his twelve disciples out to heal people and talk about God’s Kingdom. Jesus told them to “take nothing for the journey - no walking stick, no bag, no bread, no money, not even an extra shirt.” Talk about leaving your comfort zone! Jesus wanted his followers to start doing what Jesus was doing - meeting new people, talking about God’s plans, making a difference in people’s lives. Jesus wasn’t changing, but he wanted his followers to change and go to a new place to see more.
Sometimes I’m not ready for Jesus to challenge me to move and change in order to see something new. But just as I am seeing beautiful new vistas with my move to Suamico, Jesus offers new life and visions when we are willing to stretch and try something new. It’s comforting to depend on the strength of Jesus, but in your prayers and Bible readings this week, I invite you to open your heart and mind and see where Jesus wants you to go. A big new adventure might await you. Amen.
