Jesus replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’  and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. –Matthew 16:2-3 (NIV)

The tide comes in
and goes out
so predictably
that a chart can tell us
exactly when it will turn
and how high or low
the water will be.

Seasons come and go
right on time.

We’re never surprised that the sun has risen,
nor do we suddenly feel abandoned when it sets.

Yet, we’re surprised by consolations
and befuddled by desolations.

Even though we have no calendar
for their coming and going,
no chart to tell us
how high or low,
how long or short
their turn will be,

one thing is for certain:
desolation follows every consolation
and consolation is sure to follow every desolation.

The atmosphere of our lives–
our situation, memories, hormones and emotions–
in a given moment in time
produces a weather system
of highs or lows.
It is the rhythm of earthlings.

It is the delight of the Divine
to accompany earthlings through these turnings

and, together, we marvel.
It is the highs that have us
climbing over rocks and logs and fording streams,
and the lows that open up the beaches
to reveal
the gifts
that have washed ashore.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
–Psalm 143:4 (NIV)

Credits and References:
“Long Beach Vista” by Adam Jones. Used with permission.
Tides by Esther Hizsa, 2023
Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet by Esther Hizsa, 2022. Used with permission.

© Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim, 2023.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without permission from Esther Hizsa is prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used provided there is a link to the original content and credit is given as follows: © Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim 2013-2023.  http://www.estherhizsa.com