Many raindrops, many ripples, many souls

Two years ago I attended a conference in Walla Walla. During some free time, I took my camera and discovered a small park that was a short drive from the hotel. In this place was a small creek. I thought it was perfect for some macro photography.

I spotted some water striders on the surface of the creek. Ever since my youth, I’ve been amazed at their ability to move across the top of the water without sinking. I crouched down and extended the camera out over the creek and took some pictures of them.

Dark clouds gathered overhead. Large drops of rain began to fall, few in number at first, but then came a downpour. I pulled up the hood on my jacket and continued to hold my weatherproof camera out over the water’s edge and took pictures.

I captured some wonderful images – the water striders with splashes from the raindrops and the resulting ripples. It looked chaotic but there was something I really liked about it.

I saw a post on Facebook a while ago. It asked the question: “do you consider yourself to be the pebble tossed into the pond or the ripples that come from it?” I thought for a moment and came to the conclusion that the question didn’t go far enough.

I remembered those pictures that I took that day in Walla Walla, about the rain, the ripples, how they met each other; the movement of water, from above and below, and outward, the living creatures, and how they interacted in such a complex manner.

This reminded me of my faith and how I express life.

If I should be tempted to believe that this life is simply about “me and Jesus,” then I am fooling myself. If I believe that this life is ultimately about my escape by the means of “the heavenly evacuation plan,” then I am missing the point.

Life isn’t about me. I am not a single drop or the only ripple on the water. I’m here with you and a multitude of others. Our lives overlap, may flow against each other at times, or unite.

May we see more clearly the depth, mystery and complexity of creation, and our role; an active faith that gives and receives, and grows beyond myopic self-centered interests.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.

Rev. Walter Klockers