“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. [God] does not faint or grow weary; [God’s] understanding is unsearchable. [God] gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-32 (NRSV)
If you have never been in the Senior Minister’s office at the church, it is a fantastic space. It is on the northern end of the building and has two windows that face Seagate Drive. During Season this provides a fun view of tourists that meander down the sidewalks. They are often guests of Naples Grande or perhaps have been to the beach. Occasionally you can tell they are headed to Waterside Shops. I also love watching people ride bikes with big smiles on their faces or joggers from nearby Crayton Cove.
If I am honest, it can provide a convenient distraction from what I usually need to be working on. Between the views in my office and adjacent conference room, I call it my “Window to the World” (borrowed liberally from The Today Show).
Earlier this week I was working late in the evening. The sun was close to setting and it was certainly the evening golden hour. But as I looked out my window, every passer-by was stopping outside and pointing at the church. Most were pulling out their phones and pointing them at the church. One person even pulled a camera out of a camera bag and started taking pictures. Instantly I began to wonder “what in the world is wrong?” Then it dawned on me. Nothing was wrong and everything was right.
Earlier in the day, I had seen what they were now seeing. The bald eagles (that the staff has affectionately named Earnie and Eleanor) were atop the steeple. They are stunning and majestic to behold. It’s as if all is right with the world when I see one or both of them on top of Gates Chapel.
I do not consider myself superstitious, but sometimes I need physical reassurance from God that everything will be okay; that insurrection and disease won’t have the last say. Yesterday’s peaceful transition of power was one such sign just as seeing the eagles on our steeple.
Perhaps you need a reminder too. Maybe you need a pastor to remind you that God is with you. You are not alone.
Prayer Focus:
For those who feel alone
Loving God, remind me today that you are always with me. Amen.