Galilee Sunrise Reflection
Galilee Sunrise Reflection
Take a few minutes to let go of what burdens you and embrace your calling for the new day by listening to or reading this reflection below.
The purpose of this reflection is to create space for you to let go of what burdens you and embrace your calling for this new day. Take a few moments to pause…
Imagine that you are on a pilgrimage in the Holy Land walking in the footsteps of Jesus. You've camped overnight on the beach by the Sea of Galilee - planning to catch the sunrise from the Mt. of Beatitudes.
As you wake on the beach, various demands come to mind. Imagine that these burdens fill your backpack. Take a moment to look through your knapsack stuffed with…
Perhaps an unresolved issue that disturbed your sleep
Perhaps people who are tying you up in knots
Perhaps what remains unrealized
Perhaps your path ahead fraught with unknowns
Perhaps many tasks weighing you down - stuffed in every pocket
Pause and name your burdens…
Now close up your pack and secure it on your back. As you stand, look out over the Sea and notice the deep shadows. Feel the heavy damp air around you.
Turn towards the Mt. of Beatitudes. As you trudge up the hill, feel the weight of the burdens you are carrying. Listen to yourself as you complain about each item in your pack. With each step in the darkness, listen to your breath. In, out. In, out. In, out.
As you ascend, notice the shadows begin to soften. See the night give way to dawn. Watch the grassy path emerge ahead of you as the day is breaking. Climbing upward, see the flock of sheep wandering freely. Hear their playful bleating. Notice their silhouette in the early morning as you continue your trek.
At last, you arrive at the crest of the hill. Feel your heavy load slip off your shoulders and fall to the ground. Step away and look back over the Sea. Notice the sun peaking up over the horizon. Watch the light dance on the distant waves and illuminate the golden hillside dotted with sheep. Witness the light grow brighter and brighter and brighter with each passing minute. Relish each sacred second. Soak in the rays on your skin.
Take a moment to linger and let these words of Jesus sink in, “Come to me all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. Breathe in deeply the fresh morning air. In, out. In, out, In, out.
Are you ready to let go of your burdens? One by one, pull them out of your pack and lay them out on the ground before you. Notice the rays penetrate each demand. Bringing clarity. Shedding shadows.
In the glow of the new light, take a moment to prayerfully consider. Who are you called to be today? What are you called to take on?
When you’re ready, put these in your pack. One by one, take on your calling for today and leave the rest behind you. Put on your knapsack and continue your pilgrimage. Can you smell the aroma of expectation? Can you taste what is waiting for you?
As you skip down the hill, feel the lightness of your load. Embrace your new day, recalling these words,
“You shall go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands…”