Stop And Listen

“Stop Today and Listen” A Sermon for a Family Reunion at a Campground—Mixed Faiths

Hebrews 11:13-16, Psalm 19:1-4

While it has been a number of years since my wife and I have been able to attend, still, in all the years since we were last here with you, I have never forgotten the inspiring calm and beauty, the spiritual presence, that seemed all the more transparent while worshipping among extended family here in these sacred hills, hills in which God himself has touched not only the landscape and geography, but also the hearts and spirit of countless generations of persons who, while differing in race, customs, and religion, share the seed of a common spirit placed within each and every human being by the Creator.

Along with natural appreciation of the beauty of creation, it would seem to me that the Creator has implanted within the human heart a longing and expectation of reunion with one another after death. Many of the world’s religions share this hope and expectation. Earthly “family reunions” such as we are experiencing here today are, in a way, emblematic for this spiritual longing for a heavenly reunion with friends, family, and all those who share a love for the eternal life with God toward which we are being drawn. The joy that we have experienced over the years when we have come together for our family reunions, the deep satisfaction of reconnection with this our extended family, and the wondrous memories that are being made here point to a transcendent and eternal reunion for which every human heart and soul, whether fully aware of it or not, longs.

One of my favorite Bible passages is found in the New Testament book of Hebrews, chapter 11, verses 13-16. Here we are told that ‘those persons who do not surrender the hope for eternal reunion are like persons who, while not yet having received the promises of faith, see evidence of the fruition of those promises afar off, and as a result, recognize that they are but strangers and pilgrims on this earth, in search of an in expectation of, a better, that is, a heavenly life to come. God is not ashamed to be called their God, for it is He who is calling us and it is His voice that our heart recognizes and follows. God has prepared an eternal habitation for those who seek such a homeland of the heart.’ Every time our heart is stirred by beauty, every time human family ties inspire a desire for reunion, we, in effect, are glimpsing something of the eternal. The eternal lies afar off on the horizon, and yet we glimpse something of its reality. And that is because this eternal thing after which we seek is a desire and a recognition that has been planted in our heart by the Creator. It is a desire for reunion.

I would like to share two pieces of poetry which, I believe, illustrate this. In both of these pieces, the author expresses insights and sensibilities prompted by God’s spirit speaking to the author as the author beholds and is inspired by the beauty of God’s creation, and, is illuminated in understanding by God’s Spirit. It is this Spirit by which every spiritually living human heart is animated. It is through this Spirit, planted within us, by which the Creator speaks to those who have the ears to hear, to those who are willing and long to listen.

The first piece that I wish to share with you today was written by my mother-in-law, Pauline Wendt. In this poem, which she titled “Child of the Hills”, she muses on the beauty of God’s creation and puts into words the wonder and joy which God’s spirit has placed in her heart.

Pauline writes:

I looked out my morning window

To see the distant hills.

The had, it seemed, an aura

Of a mission to fulfill

They waited, patient for the dawn

it’s first pale light to rise

And open up the newborn sun’s

still sleepy laden eyes.

The hills, then stirred by drama’s lure

Put on their cloaks of colors pure,

of blushing pink to rose, so bold,

Edged lavishly with lace of gold

and sprigs of blue tucked in the fold.

The sun aroused and born anew,

Sprang from the hills, it’s work to do.

The hills so silent heaved a sigh

that loosed the bond and broke the tie

and launched the sun upon its way.

God’s gift to us, a bright new day.

I looked out my evening window

The hills like sentinels stood.

with bated breath, expectant tone

to welcome back the traveler lone

Their lovely cloak of morning fair

Had changed to one of festive flair.

Their shoulders strong were veiled with light,

and gossamer gowns of sheer delight.