What are you doing here?
Its been awhile since returning to this sanctuary. The past few months has seen my mind and soul contemplating the "Resurrection-life" (Peterson) and several gems from Ruth Hailey Barton (Solitude & Silence, and Invitation to Retreat). Amid many impressions, I'm transfixed with feet planted in a crevice - looking on as Elijah encounters our Almighty God in a cave at Mount Horeb. And the word of the Lord came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too"... [Enter the rock-shattering wind, earthquake, fire which the Lord were not in. Then the gentle whisper (NIV); still, small voice (KJV); sheer silence (NRSV)] ...When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of t...