The stone jetty in Rock Harbor is constructed of large massive granite boulders. It juts out into the Bay on both the Orleans, and Eastham sides of the channel. My grandchildren like to hop their way out on the huge stones. The wall has been an immovable fixture during my 38 years on Cape Cod. It has borne the curious footsteps of my children, and now their children.
A seawall is like Truth in a good way. It is stable, and something I can count on. During the Lenten season I am usually reminded that there is a difference between Truth in its most noble form; and the things that I may think are true.
Take for example the ways in which I perceive myself. Somehow in my mind’s eye I still see myself as the fit fellow of my youth. When I see a photograph of myself at an event or party I am stunned; barely recognizing myself. Who is that fat guy with wrinkles and the goofy smile? In similar ways I like to project a certain image of myself to the larger world. I would like to be thought of as a reasonable fellow. If someone suggest that I am motivated from selfish concern, or that I am very tied to my own opinion on a subject, I am momentarily breathless. It takes me a little while to be open to a comment that challenges the nobility of my motivation.
I get uncomfortable when my “true self” is showing. No one else is surprised. My friends have known this about me all along; and it hasn’t caused them to suddenly pack up and leave. And Jesus has known this and loved me all along. It would appear that most of the surprise is on my part. The choice becomes how I will face these things about myself that I have hidden from.
What remains is the love of Jesus, undeserved, and unearned. He is the rock of stone that protrudes out into my experience. The Friend who is willing to wait as I become accustomed to the truth.
