As Matthew remembers it, Jesus did a lot of talking on a mountain one day. Some suggest that these are the sayings we can be most certain should be 'in red' in our Bibles. We even have a name for this collection. We call it The Sermon on the Mount.
At the end of all the words and stories about who is blessed, being salt and light, how love fulfills the law, and all manner of attitudes and oaths and love for enemies, he finished it off with this.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."
Matthew 7:24-27
I think we sometimes do a disservice to ourselves by claiming this text as a failsafe promise for anyone who simply calls themselves a Christian. It's true; in other places God Himself is called the Rock (eg. Isaiah 26:3-4).
But here Jesus is asking for listening ears and an active response. Like, actually doing what He's talking about. That's the wisdom that's compared to a rock-solid foundation in a storm.
Pause for slight change of topic.
We're headed to the cottage for season opening this weekend.
Yay and hurray!!!
And.
This is always a work-related trip, and usually short, so if I get out in the kayak even once that will be bonus.
Still, there's always a spiritual reconnection for me, and for all of us, when we get there, and do the ritual of planting our bare feet on the rock for the first time.
"House built on a rock" pretty much describes every cottage in the area. The Canadian Shield dominates the landscape. And you can bet every structure up there has weathered its fair share of Georgian Bay storms.
I will remember this as I take off my shoes and feel the wisdom of what's underneath me. And while I don't want to overstate anything, because, really we're overwhelmingly blessed and safe and well cared for, this current journey into the whole world of real estate has at times had its fair share of unsettling days. Showings, and entertaining offers, and late night decision-making conversations will do that to you.
One of 'these words of Mine' that comes just before Jesus sums it up with the house on the rock parable is particularly compelling right now.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of your by worrying ad a single hour to your life?"
Matthew 6:25-27
So here's to a worry-free cottage opening.
Except for the plumbing.
I have only realistic expectations about the plumbing.
True fact: I do my most brazen, charismatic praying about cottage plumbing. But never mind.
No concrete (see what I did there?) news about house yet.
We'll be sure to let you know.
Happy long weekend everyone!!
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