Unveiled

“And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” 2 Corinthians 3:18

This passage from scripture captures the moment of ecstasy when the veil of separation is removed from your hearts and minds. It is a moment of grace – a touch of the Divine through which we are changed and know we will never see the world in the same way again. I had one of those moments last week.

For years I have watched the land being bulldozed to make room for more apartment buildings, or shops or car lanes. Austin and many other parts of Texas is growing. While understanding intellectually the need to keep up with the growth, I lamented the price the land was paying for development.

Last week I received a notice that our City Council was looking at making more paths through the wilderness of Austin for walking and biking. It was as if the veil was taken from my eyes and heart and I ached for the land. In its wildness, its freedom, its heart beat I saw the ‘glory of God’ and knew it held the secret of my soul’s image also. All is truly made ‘in the image and likeness of God’.

To stand in awe and wonder at the simplicity and beauty of the natural environment is to stand before ‘the glory of the Lord being reflected’. Do we need more trails? Do we need to violate the land one more time so we can have more paths to walk?

All of us with unveiled faces … I hope you will join with me in touching the earth lightly with compassion. Hold the care of the earth close to your heart. Let the song of the breeze whisper to you through the trees. And if you feel moved, speak to the City Council about what your face sees. Let your voice be heard on behalf of the natural world that is losing her voice.

God looked at all that was made and proclaimed it good!