This week we continue in our Seasons of Creation Series with Sky Sunday.
Along with the sun, the moon and the stars, we also acknowledge clouds. There are many biblical references to clouds, especially in the book of Exodus:
Exodus 19:9 NRSV
Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, in order that the people may hear when I speak with you and so trust you ever after.”
Exodus 24:15-18 NIV
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
For many of us, clouds are dreamlike. They move around swiftly and quickly. They are secret and have something to hide from us. When you dream, it's almost always not clear what you dream about, as it is shrouded in clouds.
As I thought about clouds this week, I was drawn back to 1969 and a song written by Joni Mitchell entitled Both Sides, Now. I am sharing some of the words with you now in the hope they will bring back some wonderful childhood memories of laying in the grass and watching the fleeting dinosaurs, fish, dogs, elephants and cats fly by in the sky.
Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
Looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and they snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way……
It's life's illusions that I recall
I really don't know life
I really don't know life at all
Fall is upon us and the clouds themselves have changed shape. Gone are the “mares’ tails” of summer. But it is still a wonderful experience to keep watch and let your imagination run wild and free.
I hope you can join us for worship this Sky Sunday. If not, remember that the sky, and all that is contained within, is that life-giving blanket which wraps around the earth and reminds us of God’s steadfast presence and unconditional love.
In peace,
Pastor Beryl DLM