Dear Reader, Today’s poem is from the perspective of one who arrived by boat. disclaimer: At times, I have noted that while the vernacular of those who make their living from the sea, or in healthcare, may be crudely apt, it is no less reverent.
The scripture referenced in stanza 7 has provided critical navigation in times when I have felt repeatedly and perplexingly hungry, food in front of me. jfig
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. Mark 6:53-56 ESV
Ship’s log
Moored
we anchored at dawn
immediately,
the disciples slipped from the boat—
and vanished.
Are they lost?
hidden
among the runners
bed wetters
pallet-bearers?
Terra firma
I sometimes needed
to pick my way,
a shifting substrate –
choose cautiously what will undergird
as singular truth.
Lost again…
have now gotten lost
at least
one hundred times
in Gennesaret alone.
Yesterday
He fed the masses
surely 5000
I am hungry again today…
waiting to see
what will happen
Guide—
Without a guide
lost became quickly treacherous.
Thankfully, Spirit (Holy One)
redeems, redeemed, is redeeming
the missed steps.
Found
the map/Isaiah 8: 11-22
Picked our way.
Have once again arrived
at dawn.
Jesus. is here.
jfig 4/2020
Three weeks ago, our pastor Christian Lindbeck spoke about living through unprecedented times by this truth: as Jesus followers, we are set free to love, not by arriving, but by walking, step by singular step, in the company of the Holy Spirit. http://www.hcbellingham.com/sermons/called-equipped-and-set-free-to-love-like-jesus/ (mins 55-60)
Galations 5:25 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Roasted Words 