Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Read the signs



Every few months, this sign is posted outside our local bar and grill in town. I've been looking at it from "outside the box" this past year, not because I want a waitressing job, but because the words are taking on a new meaning for me.

Help wanted. Apply in rest. I've been growing in awareness lately of rest being a starting point in so many areas. So many things come out of rest. And not just the resting my body type of rest, though that's good too. But resting my heart, my mind, my soul. Taking on a posture of quiet, of waiting for the still small voice of God. I was struck by the thought the other day that a moving vessel is hard to pour into.

Then there are the opening words, help wanted. That's different than saying help needed. If I want help, I've already identified that I need help, but wanting help means being open to being helped. And to be helped ... well I guess I'll have to apply in rest.
-Candice

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Leviathan and the Vine

Isaiah 27:1-51 At that time God will unsheathe his sword, his merciless, massive, mighty sword.
He'll punish the serpent Leviathan as it flees,
the serpent Leviathan thrashing in flight.
He'll kill that old dragon
that lives in the sea.
2-5"At that same time, a fine vineyard will appear.
There's something to sing about!
I, God, tend it.
I keep it well-watered.
I keep careful watch over it
so that no one can damage it.
I'm not angry. I care.
Even if it gives me thistles and thornbushes,
I'll just pull them out
and burn them up.
Let that vine cling to me for safety,
let it find a good and whole life with me,
let it hold on for a good and whole life."


I love the contrasting images of God in this passage. How he is merciless against the enemy and at the same time nurturing and tender with his own. Even if his own give him thistles and thornbushes, he invites us to cling to him for safety.

When I find myself in this picture, I must ask: What is my "Leviathan"? Because I want him to unsheathe his merciless, massive, mighty sword against it. And I want to cling to him like a vine, wrapping myself around him, allowing him to keep careful watch over me the whole time.
-Candice