Photo courtesy of Iowa UMC.

Do you like to experience new things? Are you always up for an adventure, or do you like to play it safe, not wanting to risk or put yourself out there? Have you ever attempted to go to “the other side”? One of my favorite scriptures is Mark 4:35-41 (CEB), where Jesus is spending the day teaching along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The disciples are there, and people are responding. Later in the day, Jesus says, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” The words are casual, but the meaning is deep. The other side is often where those who are “other” live – those who are not like us. Jesus invites his disciples to let go of the familiar shores of Capernaum, take a risk, and head toward the foreign shores of the Gerasenes.

Other boats follow along, but soon gale winds arise and waves crash against the boat, threatening to capsize it. The disciples are terrified, but Jesus? He takes a nap! Finally, the frantic disciples wake Jesus, saying “Don’t you care about us?” Jesus says to the waters, “Be still!” and immediately the wind settles down. Then he says to his disciples, “Why are you afraid? Don’t you have faith?” And they reply, “Who is this man, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” 

Do you ever travel to the “other side?” Do you ever risk searching for new ways to reach out to others with hope and grace, or would you rather play it safe? 

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