In the UK we have experienced terrible storms that continue to batter the country. The news has been full every day just about since Christmas, one storm after another and of the devastation they have caused in many places, particularly the damage that has been done in the southwest of the country. Many have been flooded out of their homes and businesses have suffered, some losing everything. Farmers have had to get rid of their livestock as there is no grazing land where they can put them safely. Crops have been destroyed, trees have been uprooted ... ... and the list of damage goes on. Some of the most dramatic pictures that I have seen came from Dawlish on the west coast where the relentless storms and enormous high waves have corroded the cliff edge causing part of the cliff to collapse into the sea and leaving the coastal railway damaged and suspended in the air. People living in nearby houses have had to be evacuated and put up elsewhere as their road has also been eroded by the force of nature.
The railway line is the main connection between the rest of the country and the furthest southwest tip of the country in Cornwall. Travelling this route has now become a journey to nowhere. Those wishing to continue their journey south have to get off the train further up the line and take a bus or some other mode of transport to continue travelling. There are meetings being held to discuss whether it is feasible to repair the sea wall and road or whether it would make more sense to re-route the railway altogether. This of course would bring added expense. Those living in the houses affected by the erosion of the foundations are also contemplating whether they will be able to return to their homes or relocate while their homes are demolished. Such tragic situations! Drying out and a lick of paint will not be enough to save them when the foundations have proved to be inadequate. On the east coast, the continuous rain has caused landslides and homes have collapsed down the moving earth like a house of cards. The term 'safe as houses' no longer can be applied to a building as being safe. Torrential rain and fierce winds seem to make light of humanity's attempts at providing security. 
On the Christian journey I have found that foundations that have served me well for many years have become inadequate. New worship songs or some innovative activity will not solve the problem. So I have moved out of the place I called my (spiritual) home and found new ways or expressing my faith. When the journey I am on no longer gets me to where I want to be, then I need to change direction and take another route. Millions of Christians worldwide have in recent years found the same to be true when the winds of the Spirit began shaking their world. They have moved out of what had become traditional and organised religion - the 'safe' house. The goal of oneness with God has not changed. The final destination remains the same but the journey is now taking a different route.
No comments:
Post a Comment