(to be read slowly, with much silence between the thoughts)

 

In John 21:3 Simon Peter said, “I am going fishing.” They said, “We’ll go with you.”

Although they fished all night, they caught nothing. After being directed by Jesus, whom they did not recognize, they caught more fish than they could haul in.

Psalm 127 states the principle: unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. It is vain to rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil, for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Psalm 37:5 adds, “Commit your way to the Lord.”

I am challenged. Have I acted without direction from the Holy Spirit? Have I waited on the Lord. (Ps 37:34). Am I without strength because of it? (Is 40:31)

There it is in the silence as the question lingers: waiting. I wait.

What do I do while I wait? After all, I must eat. I must labor. Perhaps I need more preparation, such as education, training, experience, or something else. Perhaps the situation is not ready for other reasons. Perhaps …, perhaps …, perhaps. Wait.

Am I on the path I understand the Lord has set for me? Then I must continue to walk in it, being alert for my master’s voice for the next direction and being ready to say, “here am I, send me.”

Jesus becomes very specific with Peter and then ends with “follow me.” Peter wants to know more, but again Jesus ends it with “follow me.” (Jn 21:19, 22).

“Follow me.” It is enough. It is everything.