In The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society book, the main character, Juliet, rides a bus through the streets of London in the aftermath of World War II. Recognizing evidence of efforts to restore order and normalcy, she makes this observation:
The sun is out for the first time in months, and if I stand on my chair and crane my neck, I can see it sparkling on the river. I’m averting my eyes from the mounds of rubble across the street and pretending London is beautiful again.
The imagery of this passage is reminiscent to me of another passage, this one from scripture.
Isaiah 43:19 states:
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
Oftentimes, our lives can crumble around us resembling a pile of rubble. In the midst of such times, what comfort to recall the words of the prophet who reminds us that we have one who goes before us. He can forge a path for us. He can supply refreshment when it is needed most.
Imagine standing up on a chair to perceive a better view. Reach up further, maybe on tiptoe, craning your neck, peering out the window. Straining your eyes, search the horizon. Look! Beyond the remains of hurts and disappointments. Beyond the evidence of turmoils and brokenness in our path. Catch that glimmer of hope that is just there. It winks and gleams, much like the sparkle of light on water. There it is.
Look.
Can you see it?
He is doing a new thing!