“It’s getting dark out.”
What do we do now? Does the metaphor and clich? set us up for serious reflection? Do we just react? Is there something about the movement from light, understanding, and purpose into whatever it is that is different that forces us to reexamine our purpose and intent? What if the original goals were made with the best of intentions? Does the reality of darkness negate the original conclusions? Could it be that life’s twists and turns are just that; circumstances influenced by a myriad of small decision points with no direct link to any particular one?
“It’s dark out.”
The game had been played with the highest hopes. Yet the outcome was anything but the dream. The daily thought was written with the reflection and commitment that I always try to bring as my part of the offering yet the dream was never completed for reasons that I still do not understand. In both cases people went into a new chapter in life full of hope, optimism, and energy. The moments that followed were metaphorically the same as dusk coming early to a bright day; confusing, draining, and difficult. When the dusk was finally complete and darkness was now full the question that remain was blunt and to the point. What do we do next?
It is in this state of question that John’s record came as a fresh answer. The day had been full of people, events, and experiences. Jesus had been the center of everything yet when the day began to grow dark he slipped off for a period of quiet reflection. I am sure the disciples anticipated that the five minutes would be five minutes but as time grew things became more uncertain. What to do next?
The answer was incredibly simple and bold. “In the evening his disciples went down to the sea, got in the boat, and headed back across the water to Capernaum. It had grown quite dark and Jesus had not yet returned.” (John 6.16, 17)
Today is one of opportunities, if we take them.
