Good morning from Canada. For the next 2 weeks I will be writing my thoughts from a tiny desk in a dorm room just big enough to fit it and a bed. I really miss those days. Then again, this is my 6th summer in a row doing this, so I guess I really don't miss it. In fact, I look forward to this one time of the year with excited anticipation as I get to see members of my extended family of God whom I only see once a year; if they come. We're missing a few of my brothers and sisters this year. They are missed only in body as their spirit will forever walk this campus; or at least the distance between the dorms and the castle.
What is the castle?, you ask. It's where the classes of Vancouver School of Theology (VST) are held. It's called the castle because, well, it looks like a castle (I'll be posting pictures later, but if you really have to see it now just search for VST images). The castle is built on the northwest corner of the campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC) and sits well above the ocean. In fact I'm told if you cross the street there's a path which leads to the ocean's edge that takes you down 200 steps along the cliff side; a fact I haven't yet discovered because I really don't see how one can go to the beach when it's barely 70 degrees outside - but that's just me; nor do I want to walk 200 steps
I'm thinking about the castle because, once again, the Psalm for the week makes mention of places on a hill and being in my current "location" it's what first came to my mind. After reading Psalm 24 all I can honestly vision is the castle with its views of the majestic snow-capped mountain set against blue skies. As one gazes out from the classrooms we can see the beautiful waters of the North Pacific, calm and cool as the ships go through the mouth leading into the Burrard Inlet. And, if we're truly blessed, bald eagles flying in circular dances will complete this picture of God's creation for us.
The more I think of my current location, however, the more I think about what is at home for me as well. Same blue crystal clear ocean, just warmer. Our mountains may not be snow-capped but nonetheless are just as beautiful. Our skies are filled with birds of all types and sizes, also dancing their circular dances. In fact, the more I sit and think the more I realize this same picture is being painted world-wide. Okay, maybe there won't always be bodies of water, or skies of blue, or dancing birds; but there will always be beauty in creation for the one who is there to enjoy it - whether it be in the sands of the Sahara, or the crackles of rocks which line a mountainside.
Psalm 24:9 says, "Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the king of Glory may come in." Who is the King of Glory? - the Psalm tells us it is the Lord. The Psalm also says earlier on that those who are pure of heart and have clean hands will stand in the holy places - that would be you.
So, as you go about your day today, take a look at what the Creator has given to you and truly enjoy it. Remember that you never go through this world alone because God is right there beside you. By our side is exactly where God wants to be. God gave us such a beautiful world to live in so we would have somewhere peaceful to be with God. So, my brothers and sisters, take that moment today to be with God; wherever that place will be.
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