Surprise Grandeur

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

            As the sky lightened, ebony gave way to dusty blue in tiny bursts. Shadowy trees materialized around the lake. 

            With the dawn, birds awoke and joined into a chorus of songs. Their chirping rose louder and louder with the light. 

            A bit of pink glowed behind a lofty pine tree. Then an explosion of coral infused the eastern sky. Flashes of pink tinged scattered clouds in the south. No word could describe the breathtaking display. 

            I simply sat and stared. The morning gift astounded me. The loveliness and surprise grandeur provided a sense of awe and peacefulness.

            Too soon, deep pink faded to pale rose and finally to off white. But with the color changes, a collection of clouds swept over the blue sky. Fluffy. Small. Large. Filmy. Endless. A vast expanse of heavenly beauty with no discernable movement captured my attention.

            The tranquility and wonder of the dawn exhibition reminded me of God’s work in my life. He often surprises me with more than I ever expected. He brings change which I only notice when I look back. I need to remember what He has done for me in the past and take time to enjoy what has been given to me each day. 

Creator, thank you for the amazing displays of your creation. Help me to notice and appreciate all that you do for me. Amen

            

Listening to the Voice

DEMONSTRATE Your ways, O Eternal One.  Teach me to understand so I can follow.
EASE me down the path of Your truth. FEED me Your word because You are the True God who has saved me. I wait all day long, hoping, trusting in You.

 (Psalm 25: 4-5 The Voice)

            A mass of swirling clouds danced across the dark lake. The wisps rose and twirled as dawn awakened. Cypress trees stood like statues. Not a leaf stirred on trees or flowers. 

Except for whirling fog above the water, movement stopped. Normal life halted. 

            As the sun rose, fog deepened and further disguised the lake and trees. Bit by bit, they disappeared before my eyes. I stared at the lake and, finally, saw slivers of tiny ripples. 

            A solitary, boisterous crow broke the silence with his annoying caws. Then he flew away. Quiet returned. 

            From across the lake, squealing chatter erupted. I searched without success to see the majestic birds. Their shrill shrieks continued for a few minutes and then ceased. Haze prevented me from observing the bald eagles. 

            During the summer, they perched in trees across the lake. Neighbors along the shore, texted each other whenever someone saw them. A friend taught me to recognize the voices of the birds. With careful observation, a listening ear, and much patience, I often enjoyed their presence. 

            Hearing God’s voice also takes observation, a listening ear and patience. He speaks through His Word as I read my Bible each day. I notice Him as I study His creation. Sometimes, he instructs me through a sermon, book or another Christian. The more I know Him, the easier it is to identify His voice. 

            One way He speaks to me is through my writing. I see a situation and instantly notice a lesson that I write about. When I was younger, that didn’t happen. Was it because I wasn’t paying attention or because He wasn’t showing me anything? I am not sure but probably because I wasn’t attuned to Him. 

Teacher, I want to be able to listen when you speak. Open my eyes, ears and my heart. Amen 

Unflinching Pallbearers

            Step by step the honor guard moved in perfect precision from the Capitol to the sidewalk below. Strong hands held tightly to the casket of Senator John McCain as he made his final journey from the iconic building where he served for many years. 

            Even as the elite group moved downward, the flag draped casket remained sturdy. Arms adjusted to keep it level on their long walk. Heads never turned. Eyes stared straight ahead. Only after intensive training could they perform so flawlessly. 

            Only a few feet from the top, wind caught the plastic cover on the flag. It billowed and a section landed on the head of a military pallbearer. Without flinching, he continued his duties stoically while plastic encased his head and shoulders. His eyes focused forward and his feet continued the downward trek. Even though his comrades must have noticed his unusual headgear, no one appeared to see it. 

            My eyes stayed on the young man who displayed remarkable endurance and discipline. He refused to acknowledge the problem or his own discomfort. 

            Only after the casket went into the hearse, did he try to pull the plastic off. With one swipe, it moved but went back over his face. With the honor guard still at attention, a comrade stepped up and gently removed the piece of plastic. However, the hat came off too. Before it fell to the ground, his helpful companion carefully replaced it. Even during that maneuver, none of the military pallbearers moved his eyes, head or hands. 

            The precision teamwork and focus on duty of the honor guard was a tribute not only to Senator McCain but also to all Americans. With all of the challenges our country continues to face, how thankful we can be to the men and women who selflessly love and serve our country.