Looking High

Some of my favorite places to visit are college campuses. I don’t know if it’s the aura of possibilities, the atmosphere of learning, or the presence of commitment by those who choose to be there, rather than mandatory attendance, and maybe it’s a combination of those things and more that cause a level of energy that is tangible to the senses. The campus we visited today is one that I had attended. When our son asked me what drew me to the school, instead of saying it specialized in the academic field I intended to study, or because of its history for securing placement in jobs, or because of scholarships received I had to tell him it was because coming back from a rafting trip I saw this campus that stood grandly on the hill and it looked so cool. At night the campus is lit to show off their unique structures and you are drawn to know more about it as you drive by on Interstate 35. During the orientation today they were proud to point out that the largest structure on campus is not the football field, as the university 30 miles north would boast, but rather their library. Probably a better vein of rationalization to include, but as we entered the highway to return home, I couldn’t help but look over and still admire the way the little city looked on the hill.

My prayer for the congregation?

O God of Wisdom, there is nothing that is beyond your understanding. We cannot always explain why we do the things we do, lost in a web of irrational desires and impulses, but you are intentional and wise. Let us turn to you for direction, open your word for inspiration, and stand as a beacon on a hill to draw attention to your course. Let our congregation be literally a buzz with an energy of excitement and commitment as we choose to follow you in a manner that is infectious and challenging. Amen.

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)