Saturday morning I was driving to Indianapolis from Boilerland in a winter wonderland. It was 4 degrees. Yes. Four.
Freezing fog was present though not so horribly that you couldn’t see in front of you or to cause dangerous driving conditions.
The trees looked as if Jack Frost himself had personally painted each one. The winding, stark branches that I usually consider to be so desolate and bare were ice-laden and glistening. They were magnificent.
Have I ever mentioned the fact that I am so very much not a morning person in the least? During this drive, I realized that this clock of mine, the one that keeps me from rising early enough to ever see a sunrise, has deprived me of some beautiful wonder.
The amber sun of that morning, as it slowly ascended into the sky, was breathtaking. Combined with Jack’s trees and the snow-covered ground, I felt like I was driving right through a calendar photo for the month of January.
I began to think about what I tell my children is “the work of God’s paintbrush” and oh, it so very much is. Beauty truly does abound. Everywhere.
As I am admiring the scene, the rising sun is covered by what I thought was a drifting cloud in the sky.
Then I realized that it wasn’t a cloud that was overtaking the sun and all of its glorious beauty. It was a gigantic cloud of steam from a large, local super-production company.
How often do we overshadow God’s glorious love and beauty by something that is man-made? I wonder this because I know I am guilty though I wish it weren’t so.
God’s light is constantly being eclipsed by things that we create ourselves – busyness, jealousy, selfishness, judgement. Sometimes I wonder how He can possibly compete though I know He is all-powerful and all-knowing. Yes, I realize He is mightier than anything, but still.
He gets edged out a lot.
As I am thinking this, I see a very, almost minute, glimmer of light escaping from the steam cloud and I have to chuckle. He is such funny guy.
Even in darkness, in complete eclipse, He still shines through. Yes. I know this. How could have I ever forgotten?
That evening, I was reading a chapter in Susannah’s new “American Girl” book about Kentucky Cave Shrimp. Apparently, they are shrimp that live in caves and have never seen the light of day. Not once. Therefore, they are stark white and blind – they don’t need to see and there is no source of light to give them pigment.
Irony? I think not.
Those that live in the darkness, which is all of us at times, can shrivel up without light. We can become pale. We definitely lose our sight. Our vision is gone. We adapt to the darkness. We just survive.
But its in the light that we are free. It’s where we are loved so much despite the unthinkable things we think could never be forgiven. It’s where we can release the shame and just be.
What a great place. To. Be.
The above painting is a watercolor by artist Lynn Quinn. Thank you for allowing me to use it, Lynn. It’s so very beautiful.
Click here to see more of her work!
WOW, this is an awesome post! I have to admit…I’m SO NOT A MORNING PERSON….yes, I just yelled that in ALL CAPS. I loath the mornings. I dread early morning sunlight…oh and do not get me started on the birds that are chirping when spring approaches. I’ll be blogging about those birds soon, I’m sure….they start their singing around 3am.
This post made me view mornings much differently. Actually, I have thought about how much I’m missing in the wee hours of the morning. I’m thankful for each new day the Lord blesses me….I need to be thankful for the mornings, too. ;-)
~melody~
Uh-huh. I totally agree. I usually curse mornings. Maybe it was also better because I was drinking a Venti latte from Starbucks?
Wow, that’s a painting! That sure is some talent. And your post is vividly written :)
.-= Clairity´s last blog ..quiet is how we like it =-.
Thanks, Clairity! I love the image as well.
I detest seeing the light of day before say 10am.. lol usually. but last Saturday as we headed out of down to a photography workshop at the wee hour of 6:30am, I was in awe at the glistening landscape that did in fact seem like it was out of a story book. it was so magical hat even a run down barn and a pile of metal scraps looked simply gorgeous! I agree with your post. I am happy to get those moments .. b/c in the business of life, its when I am in awe of His creation that I take time to seek him.or that I take that time to actually Hear Him !!
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..I don’t lie….. =-.
Yes, it was gorgeous! Glad I wasn’t the only crazy out that early on a Saturday morning, Elizabeth!
That is such a beautiful painting accompanied by a lovely post! :)
Thanks for stopping by, please do come and visit again.
.-= Melanie´s last blog ..Family Day =-.
I will, Melanie! Thanks for reading.
Oh what a beautiful painting!! I am not a morning person either, not at all.. it’s easy to forget to stop and take a look around to appreciate the natural beauty out there!
Thanks so much for the visit, I’m a subscriber!
As I told Melody earlier, I forgot to mention that when these thoughts started to come to me, I was sipping on a Venti Caramel Skinny Latte from Starbucks.
This always makes mornings more manageable…:)
I’m following you, too, girl! :) Thanks for reading!
Thanks for stopping by! Love this post. Sounds like a beautiful morning and so inspriational to all!
.-= Debbie in Nashville´s last blog ..My Favorites =-.
You are welcome, Debbie. Thank YOU!
First of all, that is a beautiful painting. Wow!
Second of all, that was an AMAZING post, I love reading inspirational stuff like this. What a great analogy. So sad, and so true:)
I loved it, thank you for sharing that!
Crystal – thank you!!! I am going to Target tomorrow for my tank. What great tips you give me! :)
What a beautiful post! It was so nice to read after a very hectic day! Thanks also for visiting my blog. It’s so great to get comments!
.-= Cyndi´s last blog ..Getting By With a Little Help From My Sisters =-.
You are welcome. I know that all days are hectic when you are a mama (especially one of FOUR boys!!!) so I’m happy I could add some peace to your day.
I enjoy your blog, Cyndi!