Sun, Wind, and Soil
May 7th, 2008 Posted in Spirituality, Theology
I recently took a walk in the fields and woods behind our house. The sun was setting, but was still high enough for me to feel its warm glow. I often allow the sun shining on me to remind me of the Son, the Son of God, Christ, who said He’s the true light of the world. “Lord, Son of God, shine upon me,” I prayed.
I was still reflecting on this analogy of sun/Son when I came into an open area where the wind blew gently. It reminded me of the Holy Spirit of God, something I often allow it to do. In both the Old and New Testament original languages “spirit” is translated from the same word as is “wind” so, again, I had an analogy. I prayed something to the effect, “Blow upon me and through me, O Holy Spirit of God.”
Interesting, I thought. I had just encountered nature’s reminders of two members of the triune God. What about the Heavenly Father? I searched for an analogy, and quickly found one. There was the soil of a field spread out before me. I can still remember taking lunch out to my farmer father in such a field. We would both lean against the large tractor tire, sitting in the fresh earth, as he ate. I picked up a clod of earth, crushed it in my hand and smelled it. Yes! It had the same aroma as did the field my father tilled. The smell of fresh earth always has reminded me of my father, and it did again this day. I made the connection as I had in the previous two experiences. I allowed the fresh earth aroma remind me of my Heavenly Father. I prayed something like, “O God, you are my Father and I am your child.”
The walk that afternoon turned out for me to be a walk celebrating the triune nature of God. I don’t pretend to understand much about God’s triune nature. I’ve just come to accept it as the way God has revealed Himself, the way He is - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
What is it about God being Heavenly Father that is so attractive? What is there about God being the Son of God, come as one of us, that’s so appealing? What’s positive in thinking of God the Holy Spirit being in us and with us?
Sometimes people resist taking God seriously because they can’t understand all that they are asked to believe about Him. This, it seems to me, is pure silliness, and worse! We use computers we don’t fully understand and ride in cars we could never fix because they’re too complicated. It’s only appropriate to worship and be in relationship with a God whom I can’t fully understand, His triune nature being a prime example. In fact, He wouldn’t be God if I could fully comprehend Him! I’m just glad He fully understands me, and still loves me! You too?
I recently took a picture of some giant windmills in Southern Minnesota (photo above). The sun was shining upon them as the wind turned the blades, all the while they were planted firmly upon the soil of a farmer’s field. It’s a reminder to me of the triune God.
Dave
