On Monday afternoon, I went to the National Cathedral
for our intern Dave’s graduation. Walking from the parking garage to the front
of the Cathedral, I encountered a small wrought iron fence enclosing three
pieces of stonework. These were chipped portions of the spires that were
damaged in the earthquake last August. I remembered how that very area in front
of the Cathedral used to be covered with all the stones that would eventually
be used to build those towers. I so enjoyed watching the progress over the
years as the collection of stones in the yard grow smaller while the towers of
Sts. Peter and Paul soared higher. And now some of those very stones are back
on the ground damaged.
Then sitting in the Cathedral, I looked up at the
beautiful south-facing rose window and noticed that it looked shadowed. Shading
my eyes from the glare of the spotlights, I saw that a great black metal mesh
has been put in place over the entire interior of the nave and chancel areas.
It’s far enough above heads as not to be too intrusive, and yet it’s a reminder
of the fragility of even something as substantial as the Cathedral.
It took 83 years to complete this building, which
weighs 150,000 tons. The central tower soars 30 stories high. It is a
masterpiece of art and craft, bringing glory to the eye and mind of even the
most cynical observer. And yet, one earthquake causes enough damage to close it
for months, and it will take years to repair.
As I think about this, I am reminded of how all my
plans to cover all contingencies that could possibly occur can so easily be
brought to naught. I am reminded again of how small I am in the scheme of
things. I am reminded that my only security is trusting in God, and that does
not mean that I will not fail, or suffer, or die. It simply means that in God
who is the Creator and Redeemer of all is the only place I can rest secure at
any time and for all time. Not that I shouldn’t make plans and preparations,
but I need to keep it all in perspective and not feel so crushed when my plans
don’t work out.
Psalm
8:3-4, 9
When I look at your heavens, the
work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are
mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic
is your name in all the earth!
No comments:
Post a Comment