What do live clams have in common with a burning bush — and what does the comparison have to do with you? Allow me to explain.
Last week, I found myself doing a very touristy thing — collecting shells on the beach in Florida.
(Having watched many episodes of Seinfeld back in the day, I felt like I was tasting life at the fictional “La Boca del Vista.”)
Scott and I had just attended the annual conference for Care Net, the affiliate organization for the ministry where we work. This just after our youngest son’s wedding at the end of August. Whew!
We were tired. The rest was much needed. Our emotions started catching up with our bodies.
Ever find your soul raising its hand when you’ve been go-go-go for a long stretch? Ever hear it asking you, What about me?
In the middle of your busy life with all its demands and deadlines, do you ever feel lost and lonely? Do you often end up helping other people connect with God in a way that you personally miss?
That was me that day on the beach. Actually, I’m still coming out of that place emotionally and spiritually.
The good news is, something essential and memorable took place while I watched dolphins frolic in jade waters, warm waves lapping my feet.
I came home with fresh hope. God is good.
I had started reading Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton on the trip. Barton follows the life of Moses as an example of a leader who found his strength and direction in God’s presence.
Remember the scene in Exodus where Moses is tending sheep in the desert, content with the life he’d been given after leaving Egypt and his old identity — and then he encounters the strange sight of a perpetually burning bush?
Moses stops to see what is going on, and has a significant conversation with God. It’s a conversation which changes the course of his life, as well as the fate of the people of Israel. That conversation happened because…
Moses payed attention. He didn’t just keep rushing through the day.
This, of course, is what is so difficult for us — to stop and take off our shoes, acknowledging holy ground when we encounter it.
To quiet ourselves. To notice the gifts we are offered. To connect with the Giver.
In talking about Moses’ response, Barton quotes one of my favorite poems:
“Earth’s crammed with heaven, / and every common bush afire with God; / but only he who sees, takes off his shoes — / the rest sit around it and pluck blackberries.” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Back to the beach scene: I’m walking along the shore looking around for conch and scallop shells when I notice the sand bubbling — and wiggling — under my feet.
The beach is alive!
As each shallow, warm wave slides up and retreats, dozens of tiny pastel and jewel-toned Coquina clams push themselves up to filter plankton out of the water, then dig themselves quickly back underneath the sand.
It happens so fast it looks like an optical illusion. I crouch down to watch more closely, utterly captivated.
How delightful to see God’s handiwork! How much fun he must have had, creating such diverse and fascinating creatures!
The moment uplifts me. My soul catches its breath. I experience something of God.
Moses saw a burning bush. He turned aside to see what it meant.
We think of that incident as an epic, biblical moment with little connection to our personal lives. But the truth is, you and I encounter many burning bushes.
We just don’t know what they mean — unless we pay attention.
Seen any burning bushes lately?
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