The Eye of the Desert

While I was listening to my iPod at Casa del Sol on the infamous Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, I heard a small, still voice telling me to find the Eye of the Desert. I related this "eye" to the "eye of the needle" in the parable Jesus gave about a rich man entering into the Kingdom of Heaven. See, he wasn't talking about sewing needles, he meant a rocky opening for a camel to pass through. The camel would actually have to get on it's knees, it was a very arduous feat, but it could be done.

Implying that you could be a person of wealth and still get in, but you really have to work at it. Maybe by starting in not putting all of your hopes and trust in the material things that wealth can provide. It also brought me back to a conversation that we were having earlier in the week about the accumulation of possessions and faith and the relation to sin.

This thought took me three places, firstly to Solomon and the wisdom of Solomon. Solomon had everything, but he eventually came to the conclusion that it all meant nothing, his words were "chasing after the wind." Look, don't expect to drive your big expensive car through the gates of Heaven.

Then, secondly to Jesus with "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." My interpretation is to share your wealth, especially when you are encountered by the needy. Because, just like in church yesterday, "faith without works is dead."

Thirdly, "you cannot serve two masters." It's either God or money. (To some people their God is money, a frightening thought.) Again, not saying you cannot have substantial wealth, but what purpose is it serving?

After wandering around "The White Place" for a while, I found it and photographed it, and here it is (the file ends in 66):