Hi, all! Just a thought.

Evidence. It’s the kind of thing every detective or trial lawyer looks to find. Evidence is the proof that something has happened, or that someone has been somewhere or done something. Evidence is that which is left behind once we have moved along.

In my most recent Sunday sermon, I used Paul’s missionary life as an example for us to follow. From Paul’s writings in the book of Romans, we are reminded that our missionary work as preach-ers, teachers, and sharers of the Gospel should include evidence — evidence that we know Christ ourselves and evidence that we have personally experienced the gift of the Gospel about which we speak.

This photo is one of those I didn’t take the time to think about beforehand. I just snapped it as the two of us walked along the pier at Grand Haven, Michigan, one of the many historic towns located on the shores of the vast Lake Michigan. We were taking a trek out to the lighthouse. We wanted to experience the views for ourselves.

We were walking along the concrete pier, not on the sand. Therefore, we left no footprints. We didn’t need to purchase a ticket or have some type of a pass in order to visit, so there was no paper trail. It was just us.

Our long shadows cast upon the sandy shoreline were the only visible evidence of our presence. And yet, those shadows lingered no longer than did we. As quickly as we had come and gone, our shadows, the evidence of our visit to that beautiful place, were gone as well.  The evidence didn’t last long. Our mark on the place was temporary. The difference we made, if any, was fleeting.

As you walk along the trek of this week’s pier, you may experience beautiful scenery. You may meet fascinating people on their own personal journeys. And each of those experiences will be brief and momentary. How will you spend them? What difference will you make?  

You may say, “Well, it won’t last. What good am I doing when I attempt to share with others?” Why don’t you just let those others answer those questions. Perhaps the shadows of our presence there, with the Lord’s help, will remain longer than we think. Maybe our shadows are longer than they appear. Prayerfully so.

Just a thought. ’Til later.

Brad Campbell can be reached at mastah.pastah@yahoo.com.