Become

Lord, make me a mountain that I may withstand the wind and tower over adversity.

And He said, the mountains suffer the wear of the wind more than most, its face changing even when you cannot see it. I have made you a man and, though you will suffer, you will climb mountains greater than these.

Lord, make me a river, swift and strong, that I may push my way through troubles without slowing.

And He said, the rivers feel the earth and the weight of each rock it must pass through. I have made you a man and, though you will carry burdens, you will build a raft and the water will carry you.

Lord, make me an ocean, mighty and vast, that I may triumph over foes.

And He said, the ocean covers an earth rife with sorrow. Its victories accompany travails unseen. She buoys the beautiful isles who understand tragedy, suffering pain before promise.

Then Lord, if I must be a man, make me different than I am.

I have made you the man you are with light to become the man you are meant to be. Let go and trust in me.

Lord, I will.

And the man knew the mountains, and the rivers sustained him through it all. The oceans shared her wisdom.

My child, can you see? This is how you become.

He bowed his head: Lord, thank You for making me a man. For only now can I see.

I am Yours.

And so it was.

-hb mercy

a conversation with the Lord. (i took the photo in sept 2022 at lake oeschinen, in swiss alps. i swam. it was cold.) the verse about the ocean was added after the devastating lahaina fires and the grief and recovery that ensued and continues today.