Through and through, great power is ours, such that all
creation, in all things, stands by us. Hildegard of Bingen
Flying into Seattle on Thursday was an amazing experience. My colleagues and I were on a 757 Northwest aircraft….a big plane…..and yet as we landed the wind buffeted the enormous mound of steel like it was made of notebook paper.Several around me had eyes closed, the woman across the aisle gripped the armrests till I saw the true meaning of "white knuckled". As tires planted themselves, and us, on the runway applause broke out. It felt great to be on the ground!
Several hours later, we drove our cars onto the ferry at Mukilteo headed toward Whidbey Island. As we drove onto the boat we got a good glimpse of the water we were about to cross….white caps, huge waves, big winds. Curiosity getting the best of us we climbed the stairs to the deck to feel the full force of what we were about to be a part of….the power of the seas and wind making for a very rough ride. Those who worked on the ferry came around shouting "You must sit down. This is not a request, this is an order." As they were the experts, we certainly weren’t about to argue.
Later we would learn that the winds had reached 50 miles an hour over those hours of our travel. When we arrived at our destination on the island, the electricity came on for the first time all day. It was certainly a day of high winds and rough waters. And in the midst of it all, we Midwesterners had placed our lives in the hands of strangers who knew more than we, who had undoubtedly more skill and training, who knew the power and danger of these important earth elements and in whom we had placed our trust….and to some degree our lives. It is a humbling thought.
When we arrived at the cozy farmhouse that has been our home for the past days, we were welcomed with warm smiles, sumptuous food, steaming cups of coffee, a roaring fire. We had traveled far and long but had found a place to rest and call home for a few days, safe from high winds, rough waters.
Thinking about this over the past few days, I have thought about how many times we are the actors in this recurring play. From the danger of life’s high winds that blow us about, that sends our nerves and belongings flying, we find…or are found by, a place to rest and recover. When the waters that hold our lifeboat threatens to throw us overboard, to drench us with its cold, icy spray, someone throws out the ring that will pull us safely home. The scriptures are filled with these stories. The sacred stories of our lives are also made up of these rescue tales.
Today might be a great day to remember a story of high winds and rough waters from your own life. It could be a good time to give thanks for those who waited on the other side to welcome you home with warmth. Or maybe you are in such a windswept story right now. If so, may you travel with those who have the skills and training in which you can place your trust. May the Spirit of the Wind and Water be calmed by the One who guides each of us to the place of welcome and safety.