I’m Still Here

DAILY READING

Amos 5:4-15

One hot, sticky August many years ago, I was at a retreat center far out in the Tennessee countryside with my colleagues from work. We had spent a long, tiring day in a stuffy conference room. As we wrapped up the evening, one of my co-workers led us in evening prayers. One of the scripture passages she read mentioned constellations — Orion and Pleiades. As I was getting ready to go upstairs to my room, I overheard one of my colleagues ask the other one if it was possible to see Orion that night. “Oh no,” I piped up. “Orion is my favorite constellation but it’s only visible this time of night in the winter.”

After going outside and looking at the brilliant stars in the dark, rural sky, we all made our way to our rooms. It was hot in my un-air-conditioned room. I left my window open and the curtains pulled back to make the most of the breeze. I slept fitfully, waking up every hour or so.

About 4:00 am I woke up abruptly. Outside my window was a very bright smudge of light twinkling in the dark blue sky. Even without my glasses on I could tell it was a beautiful star. I put on my glasses and sat up to see better. To my astonishment, I saw Orion in all his glittering glory suspended above the earth, directly outside my window. I felt like I had summoned him by my earlier conversation with my co-workers.

Somehow, seeing Orion there, so unexpected, comforted and reassured me. It was as if God was saying to me, “I’m still here. You may not always see me, but I’m still here.” This nighttime vision reminded me of God’s constant love and care.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Has God ever spoken to you through the natural world? 
• If so, what messages does Nature share with you about God?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• The next time the skies are clear in the evening, go out with your parents or other trusted adult and look at the stars. How do you feel when you look at them? Remember that God made the vast stars in heaven and he also made you and cares for you.

PRAYER GUIDE

Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of the Universe, thank you for caring for each one of us in the vastness of your universe. Help us to serve you as loving and obedient children. Amen.

WRITE FOR THE FIELD GUIDE

Are you inspired by the Daily Field Guide devotions each week? You can inspire others in the congregation with your reflections on God’s word by becoming a Field Guide author! Contact Jason Alteri at jalteri@bumc.net to learn more.