We’ve had so much rain here in Texas. There is a storm almost every 3rd day, no little sprinkles, always a torrent of flooding waters rushing from sky to earth. I have enjoyed the rain, unlike California, where it is almost always sunny, and the countryside turns dry and golden relatively quickly in the summer; here, with all the rains, everything is lush, green, and beautiful.
31 years ago, I was traveling with a small group of pilgrims, heading up 1500 steps to a Buddhist monastery high in the Himalayas mountains of Nepal. As we stood ready to start our climb, the rain began to fall in a gentle sprinkle. I imagine some in our group were ready to turn back, but somehow the leader convinced everyone to make this important journey. For me, you couldn’t have talked me into skipping this trip. My thoughts went immediately to the rains falling as a purification and a blessing from God to us. Fewer pilgrims were moving up the steps because of the rain, but it was still crowded as, step by step, we climbed to the top.
As we reached the top, we entered the protective wall, able to turn the prayer wheels as we walked forward to observe what I think was a 50 foot tall golden Buddha. And as we progressed, we were given permission to silently walk by the very young monks chanting ancient script, handwritten on rectangular-shaped papyrus. How precious and beautiful, reverent this indoctrination of the young monks seeking a life on the path of enlightenment and peace.
The Buddha, not being worshipped, but sitting peacefully for all to see, was the inspiration to meditate and know yourself and know God through the quieting of the mind and the withdrawal from earthly chaos. I think some Christians might have seen this as an idol and missed the point: knowing God by quieting the self is all for these seekers of truth.
It’s interesting that in my mind, God put the word baptism as the sprinkles embraced my face and skin. Understanding what is being given is truly a blessing. Those hundreds who turned back, thinking rain an inconvenience or a disruption, lost out on the blessed journey of discovery that was there to enjoy.
For me, baptism is the acceptance of God’s Glorious blessing and partnership. Baptism changed in meaning with the baptism of the Holy Spirit with Christ. This meant you would have the word of God, the spirit of truth, in you from the moment the baptism took place.
God gives up many ways to know and enjoy (Him). Therefore, we need love and appreciation for all who seek the presence of God and prayer fervently for those who are lost in the web of evil and darkness. Life is changing; we as the wisdom keepers must love and help heal as many as we can; we must be the example of God’s Glory and Everlasting Peace. This peace is referred to as ‘The Peace That Passes All Understanding.’
May you experience all the moments of blessing the gifts and the presence of God.
