Foulweather

My commute into work requires me to traverse Cape Foulweather as I make my way from Newport to Lincoln City. In 1778 Captain James Cook (and no, that’s not Captain James T. Kirk) spied the prominent basalt rock point and because of the inclement weather named it Cape Foulweather. Early on the 500 foot high promontory was used as a modest stagecoach rest between Depot Bay and Newport. In the 1930’s Buck Bradley and his wife Anna built what they initially called the Fairweather Coffee Bar with hopes that people would enjoy watching the breath taking view while they enjoyed a meal. Noticing people were more interested in taking a souvenir home they renamed the place the Lookout gift shop and made their money selling Oregon coast memorabilia. Interesting enough it really was a lookout during WWII when the Coast Guard stationed 6 men to be lookouts in the basement of the gift shop. Though initially the Bradley’s believed their nautical niche to be “Fairweather” the reality of winter time winds that reach 100 mph and consistent unpredictable weather patterns Captain Cook’s appraisal stands… it’s Foulweather.

However, I like the Bradley spirit! Take the foul weathered experiences of life and put a fair weather label on them to enjoy the view while one feasts on the joys of life. High winds may blow and fog may obscure the view but even the storm has beauty. When we first built our beach house in 2004 and were able to visit from time to time I looked forward to being there during and after a storm. I still have many “treasures” that I have gathered from the beach after a storm. Foul weather often drives buried treasure to light… and so it is with life and our spiritual walk. We often discover the treasures of grace after the storms of conflict or mishap. We realize the mettle of our faith when tested so James writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (James 1:2, 3).”

The Bradley spirit also touts that one should be willing to change their vision to fit their reality! If people aren’t going to sit and enjoy a meal with the view then give them pillow cases with “Mother” monogrammed on them (believe it or not that was their biggest seller). When our spiritual journey begins to stagnate and become unproductive we should prayerfully be willing to re-vision our path. I’m not advocating that we become culturally driven by the winds of change but that we build a better sail to navigate the winds of change. We value the goal enough to be new wineskins that stretch to meet the current needs of the kingdom of God. With the “Bradley” spirit we let “the” Spirit continue to do His good work of convicting the world of its sins and leading them to the joy of redemption in Christ! -DAN