When Peter’s faith began failing, he called out to Jesus to save him, and Christ reached out his hand to catch him.

What does it mean to be saved? This is an important question to ask, because it’s a question that modern Christians are expected to answer at a moment’s notice. Are you saved? Am I?

I love being with people when they visit Lake Michigan for the first time. “You can’t see across!” they sometimes exclaim. Or they say, “It’s like the ocean!” as they marvel at crashing waves and swathes of sand.

There must be something wonderfully compelling about roller coasters. Many people pay lots of money to spend hours in long lines just to ride for a minute and a half. Perhaps what is so attractive is the incongruous juxtaposition of terror and security.

After my marriage ended, I hopped in a car and drove from Chicago, where I had lived most of my life, to Seattle, where my sister lives. I desperately needed to get away from everything for a while, and I had never taken a road trip before.

Saving Lord, truly you are the Son of God. Reach out to us your merciful hand.

Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.