Thin Places

          Our old Weber grill is half-buried in our backyard, our version of the fancy outdoor fireplaces that have become so popular.  It serves as a great fire pit, surrounded by abandoned furniture rescued from the roadside, refinished and refitted, put to new use in our backyard “living room.”  I treasure the moment, bathed in flickering light, wrapped in the shadows, while we sit and ponder.  I smile at our neighbors, sitting with us in this makeshift room, sharing a glass of Zinfandel and a moment of peace.  The early spring twilight is lightly chilled, like good wine, as we linger, unwilling to break the spell cast by the fire’s glow.

          The thin places, where eternity touches today, remind us to care.  I recall a ten-mile wilderness hike taken during a childhood vacation.  We walked besides a chattering brook, through quiet, birdsong filled woods.  We trekked past the woods into tall grasses, hot sunlight at first welcome, then wearing, as we neared our destination. Away from the sound of water, long before the advent of water bottles in stores, we fought off our thirst as we plodded on through the early summer heat.

          A sharp turn, through a thin barrier of woods, and we reached Hidden Lake.  A hard winter had created an amazing view, created due to extreme spring runoff from the glacier that feeds the lake.  A multitude of waterfalls roared over the mountains surrounding the water pooled at our feet.  Awed, I gazed in wonder at the majestic sight.  The enormity of the mountains, the tranquility of the lake brought home the nearness of eternity.  My family and I walked out on the logs damming the end of the lake closest to our path.  I stooped and cupped the water, taking a long drink of the cold, mountain water.  Refreshed, we lingered, unwilling to return to the path and leave this picture of eternity behind.

          Now, the experience a faded memory, I cherish the moments when eternity breaks through my consciousness and reminds me of what really counts. Staring at the coals, I memorize the messages hidden in their heart, as they burn down to embers, still glowing, still holding the heat of life within.  Eternity presses through their heart, reaches out and prods me to remember what matters.  People.  Keep investing in the lives of others. Love with a whole heart.  Live in peace. Keep learning and growing.  Build hope.