Gulls swoop and wheel in the air, screeching loudly. Two men grunt as they pull in a large net from the water. Slimy fish flop frantically inside the mesh, sides heaving and scales glinting. One of the men looks up for a moment to watch the gulls. He sucks in a deep breath of the tangy sea air before saying, “Good catch today.”
As the grizzled old prospector walked towards his rundown cabin, a small object on the ground caught his eye. He stooped down to get a closer look. It was a tiny blue bead, evidence that someone had lived here long ago. He picked it up and rubbed it between his fingers thoughtfully. How many others … Continue reading Searching for Gold
I shall the effect of this good lesson keeps as watchman to my heart. (William Shakespeare) On Thursday, I read a Bible passage that filled me with the faith to believe that a frustrating season of life was almost over. Two days later, when my circumstances hadn't changed, I got discouraged. "God, it's been TWO … Continue reading Are we there yet?
There’s something about water that calms the soul. I sat on Burlington Beach tonight as the sun was setting. The gulls wheeled through the air, looking for food. The waves gently splashed the shore. I watched a steady stream of boats move slowly across the lake as they returned to the harbour for the night. … Continue reading Burlington Beach
The car pulled to a stop in front of the hospital entrance. A panicked young woman got out and unbuckled her three-year old son from his car seat. Although I couldn't see inside, I pictured her fingers fumbling, shaking, as she tried to free him from the straps. It seemed like an eternity before she … Continue reading
Blood from her torn ears dripped onto the woman’s clothing. She clenched her teeth, trying not to give into the urge to cry. The pain was excruciating. But the only way to remove her earrings was to tear them from her flesh. So, like the other men and women around her, she ripped them out … Continue reading The Calf and Its Aftermath – Part 2
(Exodus 32:1-4) There is an angry crowd gathered around the High Priest. Voices are clamouring to be heard. “Moses is long gone. He climbed that mountain to talk to God over a month ago. Face the facts! He’s not coming back. He’s probably dead. We need a back-up plan.” “Yeah! We should have reached the … Continue reading The Golden Calf and Its Aftermath – Part 1
A man surveyed several goat skins that were spread out in the afternoon sun. Bending down, he touched one with his finger. The hides were almost dry enough to be stitched together and made into tents. The thick black goat hairs looked waterproof but, during the first rain, the water would trickle through, soaking everything … Continue reading An Ordinary Person, an Extraordinary Calling
The darkness was thick and black. Everyone had gone to bed hours ago. But in one little room, a light still burned brightly. A young boy was curled up on the floor under a pile of blankets. The glow from the large lampstand bathed his serene, olive-toned face. His eyes were closed and his even … Continue reading Who’s Calling?
The sun rises over the mountains, bathing the camp in a golden glow. The army has pitched their tents on a ridge in the foothills. Below them, a creek bed winds through the valley. For part of the year, it is overflowing. But today, there is not a trickle of water to be seen. The … Continue reading How to Become Fearful in Three Easy Steps
The Grace-Filled Life 