Silent Saturday

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. (John 14: 1 NIV)

For the second day, heavy clouds hovered over the lake. Silence just before dawn. Somberness after yesterday’s storm.

            Across the lake, a strip of light broke through the gray at the tree line. Gradually, the sun lightened the dark clouds to a light gray. Then a ring of blue defied the dreariness. 

            Though still bleak, the morning awoke with singing birds. An eagle flapped his impressive wings as he returned to his nest. 

            During yesterday’s pounding rain and gales, I searched for the new eagle’s nest. But in the storm, I couldn’t see it. I hoped it because of the rain. 

            In the calmness of Saturday morning, I heard the screeches of eagles. They were spared and the nest preserved. My wait was only overnight to find out their nest survived.

            After Jesus’ crucifixion, his disciples waited too. They tried to process his death.  Grief consumed them. They felt abandoned and lost. On silent Saturday, they wondered what to do. In their distress, they lost hope.

            The disciples had a longer time of despair and heartache. On Saturday after Good Friday, God was silent. A time of waiting and contemplation for His followers. They didn’t anticipate the celebration of Sunday. 

            Even though we know about the joy of Easter, we need to remember the times of abandonment, sadness and despair they endured. We also experience similar experiences but we are not alone. Silence doesn’t mean absence. 

Father, even in times of pain, you have not left us. Amen