Devotionals

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MEMORABLE METAPHORS


Having lived a full life, certain metaphors remain fixed in my memory. One of the first of these was a long flight of stairs ascending to our family bedrooms. The youngest of four siblings, I was often the first to retire at night. Mother would allow me time to reach my destination before turning off the hall light. Consequently, I could not linger along the way.
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus assured those listening to him, “the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1). In this regard, he later affirmed: “I am the way and the truth and the life. Not one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). So I am reminded when thinking of that flight of stairs, in anticipation of the rest that would follow.
That which I recall as the big rock was located in the field behind my maternal grandparents’ home. It seemed exceedingly large to me at the time. Accordingly, it was necessary for me to prop boards against its base so as to make my way up its inviting elevation. Having reached the hump of the rock, it remained to continue to its summit. From there, I could look around in all directions, and seemed safe from any wild beast that might come that way.
“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;” the psalmist anticipates, “he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock” (27:5). So am I reminded by way of the big rock, although later in life, it seemed to have greatly diminished in size. So much so, that I could step onto its hump and readily reach its top. Thus as if depicting God’s enabling grace.
Rocks come in various shapes and sizes. For instance, there was a long flat shaped rock that reached out into the river that flowed near our home. I would on occasion sit on it while watching the water rush by. It was a restful, reassuring experience.
In this regard, the psalmist allows: “He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul” (23:2). “This refers to the spiritual pause that refreshes. From time to time, we need to take a break from the rigors of life, and renew ourselves in prayer and meditation. We then return refreshed to our tasks” (Morris Inch, Devotions with David: A Christian Legacy, p. 28).
World War II lyrics likewise come to mind, “Gonna take a sentimental journey, gonna set my mind at ease. Gonna take a sentimental journey, to renew old memories.” “I left for military serve the day after my eighteenth birthday. My mother and a family friend drove me to the station, where I along with others boarded a train for the uncertainties that awaited me” (Morris Inch, Whispers of Heaven & Heaven According to Matthew, p. 13). “I got home on occasions. Most vivid in my recollection was the time I returned from overseas. As the train approached my village, I could make out familiar landmarks. I experienced a warm fuzzy feeling within. Indeed, it was a sentimental journey home” (Ibid.).
“I have heard it said that war is hell. Well, not actually. But perhaps it is the closest we come to it in life. In contrast, home seemed to me like a return to sanity. My parents could not make everything right after so much had gone wrong, but God can and will. Heaven is ultimately home” (Ibid., p. 14).
Sometimes in my imagination it seems as if I can almost hear my mother urging me: “Morris, it is supper time!” “Supper was for us our evening meal. It was the most substantial, and most relaxed. Granted, Dad had several remaining hours in his general store, but his long work day was winding down. The rest of us looked forward to some activity of our choice” (Ibid., p. 15).
“Heaven resembles supper time. The long day is behind us. We hear a familiar voice calling us to participate in the meal lovingly prepared. The family is assembling. This is no time to make excuses” (Ibid., p. 16).
Thus one metaphor builds upon another, from one day to the next. Thereby life is greatly enriched as we make our way toward the celestial city. Or so it seems as I look back over virtually a life time, with appreciation for God’s faithfulness, and the times I have enjoyed with family and friends. As a reality check, not all experiences have been welcomed, but I much prefer dwelling on the good times, and God’s sustaining grace in times of adversity.

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