Day 165: Ezra 6-8; John 21

There is something about walking along the shore of a lake, or the ocean, along the bank of a river, that stirs up a spirit of contemplation. If I have a spare moment, I'll stop along the edge of Union Lake and reflect, pray, and re-center my day. In these summering days, on a Sunday afternoon, one of our great delights is for Rondalyn and me to take a walk along the lakeshore, or at the bluffs along the Maurice River. When we are able on a non-traffic day, we go to the beach and lap up the ocean breeze as we take in the rhythmic motion of the waves. There is something that makes this journey a 'thin place' for me. Like the altar at the front of the church, a walk along water is one of those places I do not require a prelude to God's presence to remove life's distractions and get my focus on first things...God is there waiting and I am ready for this personal encounter. Perhaps this is why I so identify with Peter in John 21. After breakfast, Jesus says to Peter: "Come, walk along the shore with me." I'm there! Everything that is going through Peter's mind, I am certain, is stirring up this great conflict. Before him is his greatest failure ever, and it was against Jesus. Before him is an invitation to walk alone with Jesus and he wants it. Jesus doesn't let Peter off the hook...He confronts him. Jesus doesn't let Peter slink away in failure but reinstates him as the leader of the Fishers of Persons. Jesus reminds him that it is his journey, not John's, and tells him: "Live in my presence, walk with me, learn from me, be my follower, carry out my mission."

Wherever your 'thin place' is, today take a walk with Jesus and be fully present. He has something special for you! I feel a trip to the shore calling me.