In my chaplain work with law enforcement I sometimes ride with officers to connect and to learn how to serve them better. You’ll hear in the video (below) that fear of going a greater distance with “Pilgrim” to meet them almost robbed me of opportunity. My inner spirit said, “I don’t want to.” But, God’s Spirit said, “Don’t miss it.”
Here’s a reflection from my journal—clips of reality at the river.
Space; alone … but not really; setting up camp; feet in the river; sunset; geese flying; brilliant black; unaware of how aware God is; rest. Sunrise; life in full color; oatmeal; peace; curious; creaking gate; police vehicle; time to ride; time to listen; time to learn; time to return; thank you.
Another night; me and the teardrop, specks in a spacious place; solitude; peace; sacred; alone … but not really; more sovereign handiwork; galaxies; (“Steve, you would love this.”) fireside; pause; gratitude; prayer; wonder; joy; worship; rest; orange art in the sky; “Good morning.”
We can pray that beautiful places will continually lift our eyes to the Creator who gives us courage to say “yes” to new opportunity.
The Treasure: “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)
If you’d rather read than watch the video, here’s the full video transcript:
(Geese flying … honking) I must admit – fear is a common struggle that I have. Pilgrim and I have just taken our longest trip. We’ve come from Williamsburg down to Fries, Virginia which is near Galax. With the camper it took me six hours. It’s an invitation by a law enforcement officer to come to the New River Wildlife Conservation Club and to camp on their land here. There’s only me—there’s nobody else around. It really is beautiful. Last night was my first night here and I slept for nine hours. I think that’s because I was really tired. But here’s Pilgrim in a primo spot; the sun is going down into a gentle sunset on the New River. So, we remember that we can stay within the fence where Pilgrim lives at home or we can go beyond the fence. Pilgrim represents courage to go beyond fear and loss so that we don’t shrink our lives. I must say my life is not shrinking; it’s expanding into a spacious place. But I was afraid to come. I even, for a moment, didn’t want to come. It felt too big, too far, too different; I didn’t even know where I would be parked; I just knew it was going to be in an isolated spot. But oh the blessing of going beyond the fence when it’s time. It’s not always time to go beyond the fence. I wanted to share this beautiful moment with you. Wish you could be here.
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