Lord, I Have Come to the Lakeshore

As I was journaling last evening, uninvited the words "Lord, I have come to the lakeshore" came to mind. With these words came several images. The lakeshore is always a place that brings peace. The rhythm of the waves, the quiet breeze from the sea, the calling of birds or fishermen, the sand and pebbles beneath my feet. It is a place where I can come to find rest.

And as I walked along the lakeshore with my mind full of the events of the past two weeks, I was led through stories and images of the lakeshore. I remembered the story of Jesus standing on the lakeshore, calling his first disciples to leave their fishing and follow him. I saw Jesus walking along the shore, teaching and healing the people. I hear him telling Peter to put his nets out again, on the other side, to bring in such a catch that his nets are overflowing. And then I see him reaching out to grasp Peter's hand as he loses his faith and sinks into the depths of the sea. I see Jesus with his arms outstretched, calming the stormy waves. And I hear Jesus calling to the disciples, inviting them to join him for breakfast on the beach.

While I continue to walk along the shore, I notice the rocks rising from the sea, sharp and jagged. And I pick up a pebble, clean and smoothed by the rushing waves. As I look behind me, I see footprints dancing through the sand, two pairs where I have walked by Jesus' side, one where he has carried me.

As you walk along the lakeshore, what do you bring with you? What do you see? hear? touch? smell? What do you notice? As you remember the stories of Jesus walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, how do they speak to you? What are his words to you?

Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore

(Tu Has Venido a la Orilla)

Cesareo Gabarain

Lord, You have come to the lakeshore

looking neither for wealthy nor wise ones.

You only asked me to follow humbly.

O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me,

kindly smiling, have spoken my name.

Now my boat's left on the shoreline behind me;

by your side I will seek other seas.

You know so well my possessions;

my boat carries no gold and no weapons;

But nets and fishes- my daily labor.

You need my hands, full of caring,

through my labors to give others rest,

and constant love that keeps on loving.

You, who have fished other oceans

ever longed-for by souls who are waiting,

my loving friend, as thus you call me.

O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me,
kindly smiling, have spoken my name.
Now my boat's left on the shoreline behind me;
by your side I will seek other seas.