Diamonds In The Rough
John 14:1-7 (NRSVUE)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
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Photo Credit: CapeMay.com
At the southernmost point of New Jersey, there is a place called Sunset Beach. The two most definable features of the beach are the remnants of the SS Atlantus (a concrete ship) and little clear quartz pebbles called "Cape May Diamonds." As pretty as these pebbles are, they aren't diamonds. Instead, Cape May Diamonds are washed pieces of quartz rounded down by the roaring ocean, but they are beautiful nonetheless.
In the reading, John asks, "How can we know the way?" It's a question I've asked myself, "How can we know the way?" How can we navigate an ocean filled with waves, sunken ships, and who knows what else!? I tend to think that our doubts and questions arise from trying to maintain a boat (a system, a church, a tradition) that is no longer tenable.
Ships sink, oceans roar, and sometimes the treasure we were looking for is a little shiny, assuming stone on a beach. I understand it isn't easy to follow the life way of God. There are tumultuous waters that we tread (declining membership, low donations, giving up beloved traditions due to lack of energy). But Jesus reminds us that others are also sailing choppy waters, some for much longer than we have (systemic racism, homophobia, environmental disasters, etc.).
Perhaps we can get to the point where we abandon our boat to the sea and find joy in God's life way of looking for "diamonds" on the beach. As we continue emerging from a season of uncertainty, it's my prayer that we can find new life and joy in the ways of God that allow life anew and take us away from buildings, systems, and biases that only prop up sinking ships.
Next time you feel the urge to ask, "How can I know the way," go beach combing and look for hidden treasures or take a walk and clear your head so that you might have the opportunity to gain a whole new perspective that leads us to a heartfelt community founded in God's love.