morning light

In the first week of January, four mornings in a row, I woke and opened my blinds to a sight just like this:  the sky hand-painted by a loving God.

I was busy that week and was only able to gaze at the sunrise for a few moments before rushing into the morning routine.

But the first morning the sunrise was hidden beneath a thick covering of clouds, I noticed.  And as morning after morning, after morning came and went without a sunrise to enjoy, I started to find my heart wishing and aching to see that light again.  I would close my blinds at night before I went to bed and I would pray, "Oh Lord, let there be a sunrise for me to see so I can worship You."

"Surprise us with love at daybreak;
then we'll skip and dance all the day long"

(psalm 90:14 the message)

I think I missed a few - getting up late and rushing without even opening the blinds, but today

today

the sun shone, slowly rising above the houses across the street.

I've come to realize how very reliant I am on the bright sun, and how much I miss it when it's not around.  I need the light, but somehow it's more than that - it's the reminder of a creative and powerful God that has an intimate care for ME that brings life and light to my soul.  How thankful I am that I live in a part of the world that is blessed with lots of sun! 

How I want to reflect the Light to the world around me.

"Get out of bed, Jerusalem [BECKY]! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight.
   God's bright glory has risen for you.
The whole earth is wrapped in darkness,
   all people sunk in deep darkness,
But God rises on you,
   his sunrise glory breaks over you.
Nations will come to your light,
   kings to your sunburst brightness.
Look up! Look around!
   Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you:
Your sons coming from great distances,
   your daughters carried by their nannies.
When you see them coming you'll smile—big smiles!
   Your heart will swell and, yes, burst!"

(isaiah 60:1-5 the message)