Photo: Nyssa Chow

This photo reminds me of the many good holidays spent at the North Coast watching the rocks like this child.

Some days the waves would gently caress the rocks. At other times they would bash angrily, sending the spray high into the air.

Yet the rocks remain virtually unchanged and unperturbed!!

We can see why God is our rock and refuge. Jesus too is the rock on which we stand. But Simon? What did Jesus see in him to change his name to Rock?

Simon is the leader with "foot in mouth " disease, loud and boastful, ready with the answers, jumping into the sea with nothing on. Yet Jesus saw beneath the surface to the rock-like strength and support for others, which would emerge only with the experience of being loved even in failure.

Thank God for the people who perceive our strengths and are willing to give us the time to let them develop.