Saturday, January 9, 2016

Today’s Reading  |  Genesis 1:1–5    
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. (NRSV)

Reflection
Imagine standing in the middle of an empty field. It’s an overcast day, no sun, no wind. Absolutely still, absolutely empty. Now, how do you get out of the field? Which direction do you choose? What if your choice leads you in a wrong direction?

This is why the blank page is the writer’s nemesis. Stephen King says, “The scariest moment is just before you start.” (Yes, probably the first time Stephen King has been quoted in a devotion.)

So, how do you start? You take a step. You see if you like the direction you’re going.

The earth was a formless void, and darkness covered the face of the deep. “So, let’s try light.” And there’s light. “OK, that’s good. That works. We’ve got light, we’ve got darkness. Let’s go from there.”

Creation is a process. You try something, see if it works, and if it does, you move on and do the next thing. If it doesn’t, you try another direction. But if you stay in the process, if you generate more material, some amazing things do develop. The process? It goes on and on.

The great myth about creation is that it is never finished. The question is not “Creation or Evolution”—evolution is creation. God is at work, now, creating the world, every day. We are not only the object of that work, but also the instruments of it. Through what we do, we work to create the world.

Our story is still being written. As Walt Whitman said, “The powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse.” God calls on us all to create, to make our world, to serve, to love, to write our verse.

And there’s Walt Whitman and Stephen King quoted in one devotion. Just trying to be creative.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for continuing to work on and through us. Keep reminding us that the work is not yet finished and that if we stay in the process your work will be done. Amen.

Written by Rob Koon, Coordinator of Fine Arts

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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