Last week, Tropical Storm Debby dropped approximately one foot of rain on our island. Fortunately, the winds were never very strong, so the storm was predominantly a rain event with some significant beach erosion thrown in for good measure. And while we have blue skies and typical summer days in the week since the storm has passed, I can stand in my living room and look into the backyard and see the standing water that remains in a low portion of our property. It will likely take several weeks for that area to drain and dry up, providing a regular reminder of the storm as well as the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Now, if I stand in my living room and turn 180 degrees so that I look out to the front of the house and the road that we live on, the picture is entirely different. The gravel that was put down as a road surface last year drained beautifully, so that whenever a vehicle drives past the house now, what is left behind is a cloud of dust. From that perspective, it is almost as if it never rained, as if the storm never happened. In the front and along the street, life seemingly continues along like normal.
Which image reflects reality – what I see looking out front, or what I see looking out back? The answer came to me with astonishing clarity this morning as I was taking the dog for his regular morning walk. As we were strolling along the firm and dry road, the swarms of mosquitoes birthed in the still-standing water were inescapable. Reality demands that we recognize both views.
Most of us would like to think that reality is reflected by the view that we prefer. Frankly, I often hear visitors remark, as they prepare to depart, that they are heading back to the “real world” where they have to put up with work, traffic, noise, and crime, thereby suggesting that the life that we are living here on Daufuskie is not reality. And to some extent, they are correct, because the view from this island shows a very different picture of life – beaches, trees, strong community, and considerable affluence. It is as if those of us who live here are only seeing the part of life that is positive and desirable. Yet the broader reality must combine the other perspectives.
Imagine if we refused to admit that people got sick, or that people needed to be educated, or that some people were stuck in a system of oppression and poverty. Historically, Christians have been the ones willing to turn away from the rosy view in the front to instead go and work to improve the situation in the back. Many of our hospitals were founded by Christians as a way of pouring into those who needed relief. Many of our schools, including some of our greatest universities, were founded to educate those who could then go and minister to others. Missionaries are constantly moving away from comfortable surroundings to go to the least of these, living among them and lifting them up.
As secluded as we may feel, whether living on a beautiful island or in a nice neighborhood somewhere, our reality is ultimately connected to realities where life isn’t nearly as pleasant. We would do well to recognize that we have been blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. Therefore, as much as we like the view where everything is beautiful, perhaps we need to spend more time looking out the back to find opportunities where our blessings just might help improve the lives of those who are stuck in the mosquito-infested swamps. After all, if we can help rid them of mosquitoes, then those mosquitoes won’t be able to ruin a walk in our own community.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron