With COVID and all the other disturbing events we are witnessing this summer I’ve found myself looking for peaceful moments and little signs of encouragement.  I’ve found them frequently; thanks be to God!

In the past few weeks, I have had glimpses (above the rooftops and through the trees) of several brightly colored sunrises and others with a changing light display on the morning clouds.  Some mornings colors are of a soft medium hue while others have been a no-holds barred display of brilliant oranges, yellows, and deep rose tones. I’ve found watching the slow-motion changing of the colors and clouds while sipping coffee is the perfect, calming way to start the day.

As I watched one morning, I thought about all the sunrises of my life.  Truthfully, I’ve only watched a small percentage of them although I know there has been one every day that I’ve been alive.  The troubles and worries from the day before may still linger and uncertainties about tomorrow abound, but each sunrise brings a new day, a fresh start, and another day of life. Each day is a gift, let’s remember to treasure it and take one day at a time.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day. Matthew 6:34 RSV

Just a Little Different

The Creator made each of us a little different, no two alike.

He made no mistakes or imperfections, just varied each of us a little.

He made some strong to help the weak.

He made some weak to encourage the strong.

He made some to be leaders and some to be followers.

He made some to be teachers and some to be hearers.

He made some to laugh loudly and some to cry softly.

He made some to run long races and others to sit quietly and hold a hand.

He made some to climb high mountains and some to explore the low valleys.

He made some with dazzling smiles and some with loving eyes, some with rough hands and some with soft, gentle ones.

He made each of us a little different so we would accept the differences

And find his perfect love in everyone.

Complete Nourishment

Each year when it appears that winter is in its last stages I embark on an ambitious plan to do some serious gardening.  A trip (or two) to the garden center is always first priority and I always leave with more pots, plants, and other supplies than I really need no matter how much I remind myself that everything I plant then will need daily watering in July and August!

In addition, I usually pick up a new container of plant food as I know that the plants must be fed a regular diet of the food if I expect them to really thrive.  If you garden, then you also understand the need to feed plants a regular diet of supplemental food.  Just sunshine and water isn’t enough.

Our physical body has requirements, too and most of us understand what is needed to maintain a well-balanced life style. A little exercise and regular nightly sleep are important, but a nourishing diet is essential to stay in good health.

As Christians we know that our spiritual self also needs nourishment.  Prayer, Bible studies, and fellowship with other Believers are building blocks for a meaningful relationship with our Lord.  But too often we overlook an important item in our spiritual diet when we fail to embrace and experience God’s love.  He pours out blessings on us and we label them as coincidences instead of recognizing them as an outpouring of his care for us.  In the busyness of life, we don’t take time to remember that he is with us in our every breath and feel his presence.

God is love and his love is everywhere, wrapping itself around us and pouring into our hearts.  Don’t overlook it. Welcome it, embrace it, and grow in relationship with him.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. I John 4:16 NIV

Let It Shine!

Many of us grew up singing the children’s’ hymn, “This Little Light of Mine” about letting our little lights shine all around the big wide world. This delightful little song certainly has more meaning now, doesn’t it?

As believers we have a tremendous opportunity to let our lights shine forth. The light from within our heart, supplied by the Father, and made possible through the Son is much needed by today’s world. The daily news has nothing encouraging to offer, but we continue to experience the love and hope God offers to us and we, in turn, must share it with those around us. So, let your light shine!

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NKJV

A Different View

For several years I’ve enjoyed three miniature African Violets as part of my kitchen window vignette. In watering them I spilled water on the window sill and moved one of them to the counter to wipe it up.  I had never paid much attention to this one because it was rather boring to look at.  The leaves seemed pale and the blooms were nondescript compared to the profuse, deep purple ones on the plant next to it.

As I reached to put it back in the window sill, I was stunned at what I saw.  Instead of pale, washed out leaves I saw vibrant green and cream-colored variegated patterns. There was one bloom and several stalks loaded with tiny buds that would soon open to reveal a unique shade of lavender. It really was a beautiful little violet!

It was easy to see the analogy.  When I looked at the plant from its side it had no appeal. But when I looked at it in a different setting and from a different view, I realized its true beauty; I saw it in a different way.  We see each other from a side view, so to speak, not realizing and appreciating the true beauty of the person within.   God sees us from every angle, inside and out.  He sees each person’s true beauty and loves us without partiality.  Perhaps we would do well to remember to look at each other from a different view, more like God looks at us.