A place of safety in your family or business

Exodus 14:21-22

My last reflection focused on the conflicting guidance and chaos as the Egyptians persued the Israelites to the sea. God then offers a path to safety:

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. (Exodus 14:21-22)

The Israelistes go faithfully forward and God, through Moses, parts the waters. They are able to cross the sea on dry land. Land, so central to Isreal’s existence, represents safety and safe passage. This experience of safety comes not in the midst of verdant fields or gently flowing streams, but when the threatening waters are nearby, held back only by Divine Grace. Dry land is proof that God is with them.

The metaphor of “dry land” is also useful as we think about how we find safety in the family business. Safety may be found in certain situations, for example, when the family is gathered around the table for a meal or a holiday or a special event. Or when the next generation returns to the business, or when the family is working well together in the company. The feeling of satisfaction or wholeness — of God’s blessing — represents a version of safety for your family.

Safety can also be felt in certain places, such as a home or an actual piece of land. It might be a specific place in nature, like the mountains or the ocean, or a bluff or a hill overlooking a historical family location. It might be a place of reverence and worship, like a church…and maybe even down to the third pew on the right! It’s the place where you worship or speak to God, and perhaps hear God speaking to you.

Where is your dry land — a place important to your sense of family safety, or part of your spiritual journey? Do others in your family know the importance of this place, or this situation, for you?