Maine Musings #7: Moonrising

Sep 24

2 min read

They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. —Psalm 72:5 KJV

This little wooden cabin was built more than fifty years ago and continues to be used by family members down to the fourth generation.

Over the inside doorway, a wooden sign hangs — carved by the family patriarch, whose untimely death shuttered him from ever seeing the cabin built. And yet he speaks to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren through this carving.

It reads: “Living for Jesus,” a message showing his life's purpose. How did this family patriarch live for Jesus? I’ve been told of his passion for evangelism which took him to Maine in the first place, through an initiative called Christ for the Lumberjack. Other than that, I don’t know much, yet his sign carves its way into the minds of those who look, begging the reader to ask: For whom am I living?

My prayer is that the message of “Living for Jesus” will resonate throughout generations to come. If that happens, I would be “over the moon” (even as I stand here under the moon). May all my grandfather’s descendants live for Jesus as long as the sun and moon endure.

Lord Jesus, give us subtle and not-so-subtle signs to challenge the patterns of our daily lives. Please help us live out our days faithfully for You.

Let your life be a daily preparation to stand before the Lord. — St. Cyprian of Carthage, Liber de Oratione Dominica (On the Lord’s Prayer), written during the severe persecution of the Church by Emperor Decius (c. 250 AD)

PS: Want to see a photo of the sign written about in today's reflection and read my related devotion published in Guideposts' Walking in Grace? Spread your branches today and become a paid subscriber of the Olive Grove.