Gathering Oysters

At 5:30am, I was awakened by the ring of the phone. My friend, Jojo Taghoy, made the wake up call for me to prepare for our journey to Cornwallis Wharf in the Waitakere Ranges in New Zealand where we planned to gather oysters. By 6:00am, he was at my doorstep eager to be at the beach in time for the low tide. He begged off from taking breakfast and soon we were racing to our destination. The beach was empty as we headed off to a rocky portion just below a cliff. We had strong footwear to protect us feet from sharp rocks and broken shells, and hats to cover us from the summer sun. We both had chisels and Jojo had gloves as well as a hammer. We settled in a place where we found oysters clinging on the wet rocks and buried in mud. We had harvested about 75 pieces with a few large ones.

Jojo, who had been in the place previously, said that he knew that there were bigger ones in a farther area which had more rocks and was certainly dangerous. But he persisted and settled there for sometime, making me decide to follow him in an uncharted path. And I found out that we had reached the gatherer’s haven – with the largest of oysters sprouting like grass in grazing field. Though we had the tools, we still ended with a few cuts in our hands and feet. But it didn’t seem to matter as we had two bucketful of large oysters numbering almost 200. The harvest became a sumptuous meal not only for the two of us, but also for 15 others who joined us later.
Oyster gathering is analogous to our relationship with God. He calls on us to do His work on earth and we must respond without delay. For life is like the tide: if we heed God’s call we will safely reach our final destination in His company, otherwise, the high tide of sin could sweep us away to eternal damnation. "But this thing I did command them: Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God and you will be My people; and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you." (Jeremiah 7:23) In all instances, God sends us a guide to lead us the way – it could be people, it could be angels or saints, it could be the Holy Spirit, it could be His Word in the Bible. "The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever." (Psalm 121:7-8)
But while God is on our side, we must ourselves be prepared; for the devil and his minions will tempt us with worldly things that make us lose sight of where we are heading to and what we are meant to do. We can overcome the devil’s obstacles by spiritual tools such as prayers, confession and works of charity. As God protects us, He too will put us through sufferings, pains and tests, if only to make us genuinely worthy of His love. "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." (Psalm 34:19)
By trusting God and following His will we are assured of salvation. "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." Our deeds will be like water to a garden full of plants. Good work done selflessly and consistently will fill the souls of people thirsty for God’s love. When we do God’s work, we, as disciples, assure Him that there will be people who will be at the banquet when the Master arrives. And yes, we can be assured of a place in the Feast. "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son." (Matthew 22:2)

by Mel Libre