Twenty-five years ago I had an unsettling dream. It was disturbing for several reasons the first was that I envisioned one of my favorite places in the world and something was changing. It was the beach or actually a stretch of beaches that I had walked upon for as long as I could remember. The smell of the salt air and seaweed, the sound of the waves, the wind at times violent messing with my hair all gave me a sense of peace. When I walked and took it all in I was in “my” place. I could think clearly or let it all go…here. It was safe and familiar.
In my dream something was changing. Someone was removing the stones that formed the jetties. I was fond of fishing on these stone extensions that allowed you to cast in deeper water. Or, dive around the jetties to find all types of crustaceans that hid there. This would all be ruined.
As the dream proceeded I realized that I was the one who had begun the process of replacing the stones. And, I was doing so without a hint of the dread that I was feeling as I dreamt. The stone walls were rebuilt. This time they extended well beyond their initial dimensions. The rocks looked less worn. And, everything else proceeded. The waves still pounded the shore, the sun still rose and set. After the activity of new building peace returned.
When I awoke the sense of peace continued. I knew what it meant. God was speaking to me in a difficult time of change and I was dragging my feet. I wanted to remain the same. Like that jetty that I had imagined was always there.
Prior to the dream I had prayed for direction. The answer was clear. Remove what was there and replace it with something new. I was being pushed out into “deeper water”. It would have to happen one stone at a time. Fear would need to be replaced with hope and trust. Perfectionism to be replaced with Grace. Bitterness would need to be replaced with forgiveness. I would need to find my voice and reach out to others. By my estimate some considerable boulders to lift.
But, I knew it would be okay. God, the ultimate “Rock” would be with me in the process. He has led me to places I thought I would never have the strength to go. Public speaking (I thought to myself- “are you crazy?”) topped the list.
I am not sure what brought back the image of my favorite place to walk but believe the jetties must be continually replaced. They wear down and out. The stones shift and become difficult to walk on. The structures lose their strength.
To use another illustration the clothing that we wear typically does not last long. Stains, holes, rips appear very quickly. They don’t hold their shape for very long and the attractiveness and purpose comes to an end.
There is a section of Scripture that notes we must “take off” many things in favor of something better. In Colossians 3:12ff the author states, “as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” That is quite a shift for most of us. Please note that being dearly loved is a given in the text. God’s love is what holds it all together and makes it possible for us to change. The uncomforable-ness and fear involved with change can be driven out by accepting that love.
In my dream I don’t remember the need to lift anything personally. God was there to do the heavy lifting. I sensed that I was participating but not beyond what I could handle. The change occurred and peace was restored.
Looking back over these 25 years I have been amazed at what God accomplished. And, I realize that I am a very different person. Not only have I gained education and skills but my character and perspective has been changed. I wonder what stones will be replaced in the next 25 years!
partofHISstory 