When I look out of my windows it is all I see, a huge expanse of white
interspersed with white trees. Most of it is still untrodden (and at -17C who would
want to venture out!). It is a clean sheet of white awaiting someone to make an
impression in it.
In some ways, newly fallen snow is a bit like January. A whole year
stretches in front of one. Untrodden and unmarked. What will be imprinted on
it? What direction will steps be taken into it? What choices will be made?
When I open the door, the pugs rush out into the clean, white snow. Full
of joy, bounding through snow, spinning in circles, making tunnels with their
bodies until cold drives them back into the house. In some ways that is a great
way to appreciate January, full of joy, carefree, leaping into a new experience
until something calls a halt to it. What a great way to be. Certainly, in part,
I want that to be the way I approach life.
Yet, I also want to be a bit more mindful of how I journey through the
rest of the year stretching before me. There are a couple of hints in the
lectionary readings that stood out to me as I read the texts for this week.
The first one I noted is found in the story of Jesus calling the
disciples. It is just three small words in Philip’s conversation with Nathanael
(John 1:43-51). Philip approached Nathanael to tell him about Jesus. Nathanael
made a remark that was a little distaining. Rather than engage in a dispute or
try to justify his position, Philip simply issued an invitation, “Come and see.”
How wise of Philip to respond that way and how wise of Nathanael to take
up the invitation.
The second lectionary passage that stood out to me was the story of the
boy Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10). As the boy lay sleeping he thought he heard the
priest calling for him and went to offer his assistance. This happened three
times. In the tale, finally, the priest wisely realized it may be God talking
and instructed Samuel in how to reply. Samuel took the advice and the next time
the voice called, he replied, “Speak for your servant is listening.”
So, as I put these two passages together, I thought they made a great picture
of a way to live. A way to proceed into the untrodden part of 2018. A way to
make footprints in the snow of this year.
The phrase “come and see” speaks of having eyes wide open to what is before
me. Not to be just content to follow someone else, but to want the experience.
To take time to look, to look deeply, into what is around. I don’t want to miss
the beauty and wonder of nature and creation. I don’t want to fail to notice
acts of kindness and generosity in people I meet. In addition, the phrase “speak,
your servant is listening” is equally important. I want to take time to hear. I
want to listen. I don’t want to miss the subtlety of the sounds and voices
around me.
A year is stretching before me. I want to tread it wisely. So, with all
the joy I saw in the pugs, I want to take time to look and listen as I journey
through the ensuing months.
