BARRIERS.

Barriers are a good thing when they are put up to keep us safe.  On a windy day walking by the ocean at White Rock I had to fight to keep from being blown away.  The tide was a way out so there were no crashing waves which I was hoping to see.  What a powerful source of energy in the wind and in the waves.

"I look now and then at the sea
and the reflection of myself is there.
Restless sometimes, or calm , or angry,
Or even uncaring.
Lines from O. A. Manning's poetry

Some brave souls walk right out onto the end of the pier but it is far too cold and blustery for me.  I am glad of the tiny fence that guards me from the huge rocks that have built a barrier from the water to the land.

When we are told we have to believe certain things to enter into the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed was a new kingdom; one of love and compassion and mercy where the spirit dwells in freedom blowing where it will.  Love one another sounds so simple and yet our emotions can build up barriers that shut others out.

Gossip is another enemy of love as it spreads half-truths about others.  Thumper's mom was so wise when she told Thumper: If you can't say something nice do not say anything at all."

Constantine made Christianity one of the permitted religions; but then the dogmatic disputes started and they continue to this day.  Lost is the sense of amazement and excitement that comes in a defining moment that Jesus is alive and his spirit burns within us.