out of the storm – Are we battered, bruised or blessed?

On our recent holiday along the Great Ocean Road between Melbourne and Adelaide, we were impressed with the Twelve Apostles (retaining name although only eight still standing) and London Bridge, another startling formation.

As these weathered rock formations stood guarding the coastline along the Southern Ocean on a sunny day, it was easy to only see the beauty and miss the battering, constant wearing down, fierce storms and winds that had shaped them.

After a few days in Adelaide we boarded the Murray Princess, a replica paddle wheeler, for a three-day cruise. This was my definition of peace – a beautiful boat on a calm winding river with nothing to do but soak up the scenery and watch the energetic birds circling and diving around us. I was surprised to find high sandstone cliffs along much of the Murray.  On board were a group of people seemingly with not a care in the world slowly meandering past more rugged rocks bruised by the passage of time.

Behind all the holiday masks however were stories of struggle and perseverance but during these refreshing, uplifting days, God touched my soul and I soared with the birds. Brother Lawrence, a 17th century French monk, wisely said –

 

At any moment and in any circumstance, the soul that seeks God may find him, and practice the presence of God.

This is easy when ‘we’re on the boat’ but I was reminded that these are necessary times for us to restock our reserves of faith and trust so we don’t fall over if we are buffeted in the future. Just as the Twelve Apostles remain a landmark that attracts many, may we also be a rock that draws and challenges those who need encouragement, while never forgetting that God is our rock, the one who strengthens us and makes our way perfect.

 

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