Cloud Cover
I was on my way to Florida to visit grandsons and so we had to drive to Amarillo so I could catch a flight. That morning, it was cloudy and misty outside, but this time, I had a seat by the window. I settled in, excited and anxious to be with family. The flight attendant quickly explained the proper use of the seatbelt to and encouraged us to "sit back and relax". We taxied down the runway, took off and began the ear popping climb. There was some turbulence as we plowed through the clouds into welcoming sunshine. I looked out my window into the bright sky. It was so beautiful and I thanked God for this light and the special care He takes to make our world so glorious. The time passed quickly as I marvelled at God's world through that little tiny window. The sunshine made me feel warm and calm. We continued our flight, above the clouds, until the pilot's voice came on advising we were approaching our destination and reminding us to return to our seats and make sure we were securely belted into our seats. Again we experienced the bouncing and jarring turbulence as we made our way through the clouds, now obscuring our view and blocking the sun. This cloudy turbulence was our companion until we landed and began our approach to the terminal. Again I stepped out into the drizzle and overcast sky.
Sometimes, my christian walk is just like that flight. Sometimes, it is drizzly and cloudy in my world. I may be struggling with a physical illness or perhaps I've had a loss in my life and I am grieving. Maybe I have been struggling with satan, trying to overcome temptations and praying for rescue. Perhaps I am just plain old weary, weary with disagreements, weary with the tasks that never seem to end, weary with the seemingly thankless job of caregiving, weary with discussions that go on forever and never produce any truth, weary of the bouncing and jarring turbulence. Whatever the cause, sometimes I seem to be living under a cloud. Not a dark, ominous rain cloud, just the light gray clouds that just kind of hang there. Do you know what I mean? Haven't we all been there?
I wonder if we could just remember that this cloud cover is thin and that above it, my God is shining His light, and up there, there is no turbulence and the sky is peaceful and calm. If we could remember that, if perhaps we could force ourselves to look up, to focus on God and His blessings, to praise Him for the things He gives us, to allow His Word to remind us that life on earth is but a breath and then there is heaven, wouldn't that brighten our day? I wonder if that change in focus, if that little adjustment might just help us see a little clearing in the clouds, might help us notice the bright rays of light forcing their way through the clouds, the little patches of sunshine sprinkled here and there in the sky. I wonder if where once there was cloud cover, there might now be longing for the sunshine and hope. I wonder . . . what would happen if we all looked up?
Neva
Sometimes, my christian walk is just like that flight. Sometimes, it is drizzly and cloudy in my world. I may be struggling with a physical illness or perhaps I've had a loss in my life and I am grieving. Maybe I have been struggling with satan, trying to overcome temptations and praying for rescue. Perhaps I am just plain old weary, weary with disagreements, weary with the tasks that never seem to end, weary with the seemingly thankless job of caregiving, weary with discussions that go on forever and never produce any truth, weary of the bouncing and jarring turbulence. Whatever the cause, sometimes I seem to be living under a cloud. Not a dark, ominous rain cloud, just the light gray clouds that just kind of hang there. Do you know what I mean? Haven't we all been there?
I wonder if we could just remember that this cloud cover is thin and that above it, my God is shining His light, and up there, there is no turbulence and the sky is peaceful and calm. If we could remember that, if perhaps we could force ourselves to look up, to focus on God and His blessings, to praise Him for the things He gives us, to allow His Word to remind us that life on earth is but a breath and then there is heaven, wouldn't that brighten our day? I wonder if that change in focus, if that little adjustment might just help us see a little clearing in the clouds, might help us notice the bright rays of light forcing their way through the clouds, the little patches of sunshine sprinkled here and there in the sky. I wonder if where once there was cloud cover, there might now be longing for the sunshine and hope. I wonder . . . what would happen if we all looked up?
Neva
17 Comments:
Good thoughts sis. I think we all have those drizzly grey days at times.
Bobby
God shines in our hearts and lives even when it is drizzly and grey and cloudy. We just have to see it.
Good post
Pat
When I was little we always sang "There is sunshine in my soul today" I don't think we sing it much any more but I remember running through the house just singing it at the top of my lungs when I was 4 or 5. We should still do that!!!
Lisa S.
Have a great time
We get so caught up in looking around or looking ahead that we forget to look up.
Jean
Thanks for the reminder on being focused. Satan wants the clouds to make us feel sad and gloomy
Dan
Neva,
Thanks for all the prayers, it is so wonderful that your blog readers are welcoming us to the church too. Things are still going well, and even though we have the church here and we are still studying with Spence, I want you to know I will still be reading your blog everyday. I would also like to keep emailing you if that is okay?
Kara
PS both our kids love sunday school
it is really sweet to see them get excited to go sing with their teachers.
Kara
All of us are so happy you will be visiting us in blogworld. This is a good place to get encouraged and uplifted.
Yvonne
Neva
Just stumbled onto your blog--I like what I see so far. I am reading and think you are very good at this. Keep it up
Jane
Good post, This has been on my mind lately, also. I have been thinking about how the devil keeps a cloud hanging over us keeping us from basking in God's blessings.
Good post
Mary
I am lucky in some ways that I have a 50 minute drive to work because I usually get to see the sun rise on the drive. Here in Florida I think God chooses to perfect his beautiful sunrises & sunsets. I have seen some truly beautiful ones since we moved here last summer. It really helps to start my day out thinking about the fact that God made that sunrise just for me to see & He wants my day to go well. How many others on the way to work are grumpy & don't take the time to watch the sunrise?
I get really frustrated on the days that it is cloudy & I can't see the sunrise. If I am not careful it can lead to a rough start to what could have been an excellent day!
Evidently I didn't get the same impression your other commenters did. I didnt think you were talking about you personally being down or depressed. I thought this was talking about satan's use of negative things to keep our focus off God and when we look up at him and focus on heaven, we come through the clouds into heavens brightness. It seemed to me you were writing about the way satan uses sin to keep us from seeing our blessings.
Am I spot on or way off in left field?
Carlos
Kara,
Are you talking about Spence Browne? I think I met him at camp one year. Ask if he knows Rachel and John from Bible camp.
You will find out it really is a small world when you belong to God.
Welcome.
Rachel
Neva,
Does this have anything to do with series you are working up with Tom?
Call me
Love
Kel
Neva, This is really good. You do have such a way with words.
Lisa S, great song. Amen, let's sing it.
James
Neva, the longer I live and the more I learn of Christ's plans for me and you the less of those type days you are speaking of I have. The old saying this too will pass comes to mind when times seem unbearable or I am sick or just have a blinding headache. I know that eventually what ever my personal problem is at this moment it will pass. The sun will shine through either someone will give me an encouraging word or one of my many blessings will pop into my mind to remind me of how truly blessed I am. God is reminding me of His love and he puts people like you in my path to help me too.
As I review things in my mind it has been a real trip my life! From childhood until today there is always something new to capture my interest, or a new personality to ponder about how I will relate to that person as time goes by. I am so fortunate to have a good family, loving children and a wonderful church family my needs are met and surpassed every single day. These are all His wonderful gifts and I am grateful.
So when I review my gratitude list it far surpasses the brief low times for me, when I take stock of my blessings I have no time left to ponder on the negative but search for the bright spots!
thanks for your blog Neva you are sharing yourself with me and others and I thank you.
God bless you
madalyn
Carlos, You are right brother, I am not down or depressed. I was trying to make a point that sometimes satan tries to block our view of God and His blessings. Thank you, Carlos.
Kel, no it wasn't part of that series but now that you mention it...:)
Thank you all for your comments.
Love
n
So many times, I have been one of the first two participants, but I am trying and praying to be the last, the nonparticipant. Thank you for the reminding words
Mary
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