To be on the shore of the Sea of Galilee is to be reminded of the wisdom of these words. The setting of this sea is so beautiful, and besides its beauty it is so very easy to imagine Jesus on this shore.
Our kibbutz is right on the eastern shore of the sea. We are directly across the water from Tiberius. Just now as we walk back to our cottages, we see the lights of Tiberius twinkling like diamonds in the night sky.
We departed from Amman early this morning in heavy fog and rain. The border crossing back into Israel was slow and deliberate but a strong reminder of the safety of travel here. Great care is taken to screen all who enter the country. We were reminded that to visit the Holy Land one must wear bi-focals; one eye must see long ago and far away and one eye must see up close for the current events and issues of today. It is the issues of today which are deeply embedded in the past that prompt such careful security. There is such a high level of distrust between neighbors. Sadly, history shows the seeds of that distrust on both sides of the issue. Hani, our Jordanian guide was quick to point out how much we are all alike, commenting that, "After all, a smile is the shortest distance between two people."
Tomorrow morning to Nazareth, boyhood home of Jesus. In the afternoon, we will visit places where Jesus taught. I would be tempted to say it does not get any better than this but I know all that awaits.
Blessings,
Mary
No comments:
Post a Comment