Four absolutely stunning days in Islamorada, Florida, about half way to Key West from the main-land. 80 degrees, sunny, water everywhere. Beautiful turquoise, different shades of blue, as far as one can see in any direction. On some of the bridges (one is seven miles long) it's hard to see that there really is terra firma on either side of the bridge, they appear to be bridges over the entire ocean with no land in sight. But the water and its colors are simply amazing.
How difficult it must be to live in a climate and region where the main thing is: luxurious relaxing and entertainment; tourism. For those of us in the north, the seasons of nature really coincide well with the liturgical year. The cycle of darkness and light, dormancy and new birth, cold and warm, all help intensify our human experience as God's people. This is a marvelous welcome climate to visit, but I admire the locals who maintain their disciplines of faith.
Yet, the warm air, gentle breeze, the colors of this area of creation: it's also hard not to marvel at creation. Created by reef, it is a living example of life crawling out of the depths - and life is in complete abundance: Alligators and all living in harmony.
It's been a while since Susan and I have had this kind of time together. It was a true, warmly felt gift.
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Experiences in churches and concerts during my 2008 sabbatical
