One of my favorite, favorite, favorite (there should be a word that means more than favorite) things to do is look at the sky. Sunrise, sunset, clouds, stars, sun, moon. I'm fascinated by it all. I think it's beyond amazing that there's a ball of fire out there just chilling (and that it doesn't fry us all as it appears each day). I'm intrigued by each star and how it lights up the night sky. I (usually) wake up eager to see how God will color the sky for my morning ride to school. I can't wait to see what the sunrise will bring, what the clouds will look like, if there are any at all. No two sunrises, sunsets, or night skies are exactly the same. This is what keeps me waiting with anticipation for the next one to make its debut.
I say all that to say this- lately, I've been taking time to really slow down and enjoy each color, cloud, and ray of light as the sun rises and falls. I have found this is when God most often speaks to me (when I slow down to listen), whether reminding me of his promises or deepening my understanding of who he is. During these times he shows me his power and greatness. There's always some little treasure that I take away each time I stare into the sky.
Here's a nugget I'll share with you: Some days it's rainy and cloudy. Usually, on these kinds of days, the sun is not visible. We can't see it. When we go without it for too long, we look forward to the time when it comes out again. What we forget is that the sun is still there, somewhere above the clouds and rain, it's burning bright as it always does. It's constant. I think you know where I'm going here... It's the same with God. Sometimes we don't feel like we can see or hear him, but it's during those times we have to remember he is always with us. He's constant and faithful. He will never leave us or forsake us.
(a little off track, so let me refocus)
Some people are not awake as early as the sun rises and some have things that keep them busy as it sets. I have been there. In fact, if I didn't have to be, I'm not sure I'd be up at 6 a.m. every day. So, I share with y'all the beauty you may be missing out on. Most times I write a little blurb to go with my picture and lately people have been saying things like "Thanks for this reminder" "How encouraging" "How positive" and I got to thinking...... Let me be transparent for a moment, the first time I read a comment like this, I started to pat myself on the back. Go me. Super Spiritual Suzie- yay-yah! whoop! whoop! Then I thought to myself, "What in the world is going on? Who is this person being so positive and happy all of the time?" Because if I'm honest with myself, unfortunately that is not a strength of mine (bubbly, positive, overly happy). I don't even speak to people in the mornings. I'm not even sure I like mornings.
I won't sit here and pretend I have no clue what is going on. It's the joy that comes from spending time with Jesus through prayer and reading my bible. It was obviously showing without me realizing it. Any of you who know me, KNOW I am not Mrs. Positivity, Mrs. Personality, or Mrs. Good Morning Sunshine, at least not when I'm living in the flesh. The beauty of having a relationship with Christ is that I can be all of those things through him. I can be the positive person who encourages others. I can be the person who introduces herself to strangers (and does it with a smile). I can portray all of these qualities when my life revolves around Jesus and the Word (bible). You see, when you're so consumed with Jesus and you're focus is him, these things are reflected in your life without you realizing it. It's not me actually choosing to be joyful, peaceful, and encouraging. I don't choose to be those things. Those things are evident in my life as a result of spending time with God. The beauty of having a relationship with Christ is that it's not about me (Thank you, Lord because I am a wreck), but it's all about him. When you really live that out in your life, when you're identity (who you are) is found in him, you can be that person you want to be (it may be different qualities for you). Does this mean we are perfect? No. Do I still get ill and act like a diva? .... Yes, yes I do, especially when I get hungry and sometimes for no reason because I'm just a brat. I'm rotten, spoiled, and entitled. But Jesus makes those things easier to deal with and manage in my life. Because it's not about me. It's all about him.
Lord, thank you that it is not me, but it is You!
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