Faith | We long to see God’s goodness illuminated in people’s ‘better angels’
Ever been whale watching?
Sometimes it may feel like an exercise in futility when nary a telltale white misty spout is seen—with or without binoculars. On more than one such occasion, after a not-insignificant amount of time, I have muttered to myself in utter frustration that there were, in fact, no whales in the ocean!
But on other occasions, lo and behold, a plethora of these giant undersea mammals make their presence known through eye-catching spouts, dark bowed backs breaking through the waves, and sometimes even a fluke (whale of a tail) raised above the surface (perchance in salute—who knows?).
While too many repetitions of the old nautical declaration, “Thar she BLOWS!” might get a little hackneyed or tedious, the bottom line is that seeing whales in the sea is still really cool.
I suspect birdwatching and other observational endeavors are similar in requiring patient persistence, knowledge of where and when it might be better to look, and awareness of how to rejoice when a sighting is made (aloud or quietly, depending on the situation).
Watchers of all kinds share a certain earnest desire: a longing for an appearance. People (and dogs, I suppose) pine or yearn or ache for the appearance or reappearance of one who is desired and beloved.
In the heart-warming book and movie, “Anne of Green Gables,” there is a scene where Anne’s adopted mother, Marilla, is rocking on the front porch, eagerly awaiting Anne’s return home from a prolonged absence. I never tire of seeing the moment when Marilla, while busying herself snapping beans, glances up and does a double take as Anne comes into view down the lane. Marilla’s suddenly brightening eyes, broad smile, and standing in welcome: it’s a delightful picture of longing now satisfied.
A Psalmist, one of many ancient Hebrew biblical poets, exclaimed in faith, “I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness be gracious to me.” (Psalm 119:40, NRSVUE)
In the New Testament, in a letter to his young protege, Timothy, the Apostle Paul notes that many persons were longing for the manifestation of Christ and his ministry of mercy following his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection (II Timothy 4:8)—a profoundly hopeful expectation that continues to this day.
People of all generations watch for, long deeply for—they hunger and thirst for—respect, compassion, dignity, truthfulness, forgiveness. Such humane behaviors enable us to be more fully human personally and socially.
But when such conduct and character are absent; when we are unwilling to live by the universal Golden Rule; when we refuse to act justly, live kindly, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8); then the longing of those who suffer the consequences is deepened, often to the point of despair.
In such times, folks still watch with hopeful expectation, longing for deliverance, yearning for the appearance of our better angels, seeking urgently the God-given goodness of humankind.
And when such deep desire is satisfied—made real by each of us—there it is! Oh the JOY!
Timothy J. Ledbetter, DMin, BCC is a retired American Baptist-endorsed professional chaplain and member of Shalom United Church of Christ in Richland. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.
