People of The Dark Wood,
I love a good thunder and lightning storm. Some of my favorites have been during the summers in Lake Tahoe. The lake appears black, the skies go grey, and the show begins.
I also recall one, around 1998, in San Francisco. I was living in Bernal Heights. Our back view was eastern facing, and we could see the 280/101 split in the distance. It was late in the night, so the freeway was virtually empty, and a lightning bolt hit squarely in the middle of the connector ramp followed by the loud and rattling thunderclap.
In this week’s chapter of The Gifts of the Dark Wood, Eric Elnes writes, “In every mythology in the Ancient Near East, the elements of lightning and thunder are depicted in similar fashion: as instruments for conveying the voice of the highest deity.”
Our anchor Scripture this week is Job 37:1-5 (NRSV). Verse 1 and 2 tell us: “At this also my heart trembles, and leaps out of its place. Listen, listen to the thunder of God’s voice and the rumbling that comes from God’s mouth.” The United Church of Christ uses the comma logo with the text “God is Still Speaking.” How do you hear the voice of God?
I look forward to seeing you at 10 am on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream. Invite a friend on our discovery journey through the wood.
Love,
Rev. Michael
