Wonder

This past week we’ve been reading in Genesis about Jacob. In chapter 28 we read the story about Jacob’s dream at Bethel. He has just run away from home, in fear of his brother, Esau, from whom he stole Isaac's blessing. In his dream he sees a divine “ladder” (or “staircase”) with holy messengers (or angels) going up and down upon it. And then he sees the Holy One, and receives a blessing. When he wakes up, he declares “The Lord is definitely in this place, but I didn’t know it!” Right then and there he comes to realize how sacred that moment and place is, so much so that he names the place “Bethel” which means “The House of G-d.” His wonder is palpable.

As I contemplated this story, I wondered how many times, in my life, I’ve missed the Holy, how many times I have exclaimed “…but I didn’t know it!” because I missed the wonder. Here is my Haiku for this story:

Jacob

Surprised by wonder

The Divine is in this place

Give me eyes to see

Thoughts for meditation:

1. Contemplate the times you have encountered the Divine.

2. Have you had times you realized, after the fact, that the Divine had been present in your life?

3. Ask the Holy One to give you eyes to see how the Divine might be showing up for you.

Pastor Lisa