Saturday, March 5, 2011

The polishing people

The phone call came in shortly before 9:00 am this morning, announcing their imminent arrival. It wasn't much longer before they both arrived, and moved immediately into the church.

For the better part of two hours, they worked merrily away, polishing this and buffing that. The object of their attention was the sanctuary lamp that hangs above the tabernacle in the church. In this case, the lamp in question is held in place by a beautifully ornate piece of craftsmanship, a mixture of brass and silver. Unfortunately though, this treasure has been all but forgotten by the hands that would normally ensure its shine, the result being that the normally rich shine has been shrowded under a mixture of dust and tarnish for so long that I myself cannot recall a time when it would gleam brilliantly with the assurance of constant care.

The job isn't over yet, but even as they've possibly passed the mid-point, there is already evidence that the piece in question is truly a treasure to be cared for. When all the lights around it are extinguished, the silver and brass now shine, reflecting the candlelight eminating from its precious cargo.

Light in the darkness, quietly proclaiming the presence of the Holy One who is quietly yet constantly waiting to welcome.

No comments: