I’m still thinking about the gospel reading from last Sunday – it was about Jesus walking on the rough waters of the lake to meet up with the disciples (Matthew 14:22-33).  As you can imagine, the disciples were terrified, but Jesus tells them not to worry, it is just him walking on the water and Peter says, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ And Jesus says, “Come.”

Now a lot of folks view this request of Peter’s as impetuous, just another example of Peter’s rash personality, but I imagine that Jesus was delighted by Peter’s request.  I imagine Jesus saying to himself, “Alright Peter, way to go! Take a chance! Come to me” I imagine in his heart, Jesus was cheering Peter on and smiling as Peter stepped out of that boat. I believe in our journey of faith and becoming, Jesus wants us to step out of the boat, question, wonder, take chances, try a new way, risk, be bold! 

It doesn't matter that Peter faltered, became frightened and began to sink – he called out to Jesus and Jesus immediately reached out and pulled him up.  The wonderful thing is that Peter took a chance and took a few steps on the water toward his Lord and I think Jesus was elated!  So I find a lot of encouragement in this story.  When I am fearful or uncertain of which way to go in my faith journey, I am reminded that it is OK to take a risk, try something new or different knowing that Jesus may just be smiling on my effort and if I falter he will be there to help me up, I imagine Jesus saying, “You go girl, I’ve got your back!” – what an encouragement , what a blessing!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

It is good to proclaim your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness in the watches of the night (Psalm 92)

I am an early riser and I enjoy walking.  Most mornings it is still dark as I begin my walk.  For me living in the desert, this is the best time to walk.  The air is cool and many times there is a breeze, it’s quiet except for a few birds that are just beginning to greet the day.  Every once in a while I see a coyote scamper across the park.  My mind wanders through the things I need to do in the day ahead and then I see it, the sunrise. 

I have to say, for some silly reason it takes me by surprise almost every morning (the picture on this posting is from this morning’s sunrise).   Each morning when I see that sunrise, I stop and just look and I am overjoyed- sometimes to the point of tears.  In that moment, I can without doubt or hesitation proclaim the steadfast love of God.  As I see those rays of light peeking out above the horizon, reaching out, I feel the love and presence of the Divine envelope me, and for at least a moment I am filled with hope and joy and deep gratitude for the promise of a new day.   Eventually my mind wanders back to the cares and tasks of the day, but somehow those thoughts are different – I think it is because I have been reminded of that steadfast love that holds me close and greets me with beams of light and beautiful color each morning.  It is indeed good to proclaim your steadfast love in the morning!