From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. -Psalms 104:13
Dear members and friends,
During the years 1991-1993, I had two main hobbies: bowling and fishing. I chose bowling to connect and develop my relationship with a variety of people, but then fishing to get away from people and the city. Despite my desire to do it every day, I was only able to go fishing about twice a month or less due to time restraints & weather. When the weather was good, I would plan and prepare for my fishing trip all week. I would leave home around 8 a.m. on Saturday and return late Sunday evening. I had several fishing spots, but my favorite was a small lake located on top of a remote mountain. To get there, I had to use public transportation – the journey often took about five hours one way – while carrying 40 pounds of equipment. Then, I would need to spend a couple hours setting up camp and preparing my fishing gear. After doing all that, I still had to catch a fish to eat my dinner, often in the dark. At times, the only lights were the stars in the sky and the luminous fishing floats on the lake. And then, at last, there was only myself and nature.
I did not believe in God at that time, but often felt that both nature and I were connected as parts of an even bigger Being, who is present, conscious, and intelligent. The more I let go of things that I was concerned about in my city life, the closer I felt my connection to nature, and thus with the Being. In the total silence and away from civilization and other people, I often felt comfort, peace, and tranquility. Yet, on the next day, I had to undo all that and prepare myself to return to city life. I did not know what that experience meant to me at that time, but just enjoyed it deeply. Now, I realize that it was an invitation of God to experience the amazing presence of Divine that is very near and accessible, if we choose to say “yes” to God’s gentle and kind invitation. God has never left us, nor pushed us away. The truth is we have built our cities filled with human noises and desires that are incompatible with God.
My brothers and sisters in God, take a moment of deep silence, and in the quietness experience the presence of God that is filled with love, comfort, and peace.
Blessings, Rev. Junchol Lee