Saturday, July 23, 2011

Masterpieces of the Amazon




A diffusion of yellow sunlight enlivened the clouds. An artist’s light brushstrokes of white and gray whisked across the pastel blue sky. From a wee blaze of fire to a colossal ball, the sun transformed the darkness of the jungle. Within a few minutes, black nothingness became shadowy forms and finally, masses of green surrounding a quiet dark river.
Each morning as Alan and I watched the sunrise, we marveled at its beauty and that we were actually there. For years images of the Amazon formed in our minds from movies, books, television, and magazines like National Geographic. It was a faraway, mysterious place filled with huge snakes, fierce crocodiles, impenetrable vegetation, and deadly diseases.
The gorgeous sunrises over the large, serene river painted a quite different picture. Cool mornings, breathtaking skies, and calm waters captivated and refreshed us as we prepared for the day. Usually only a couple other team members shared the deck with us. Few words were spoken. There was a reverence as we spent time with God.
After a few minutes, the coolness vanished. Light glared off the water. Passengers awakened. A few boats joined us. But each masterpiece provided a unique gift to carry throughout our day.

Creator, thank you for the infinite treasures of your creation. Amen

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