Archive for December 31st, 2007
Little Reminders
This is a photo that I took just outside of my house on New Year’s Eve. Now, as I sit back and really look at it, some things stand out for me; none of which have anything to do with my ability as a photographer. In that, we’ll all just have to agree that it is at least one area where I am lacking.
This picture was taken just after dusk; the sun setting on another day. As I looked upon this particular sunset, I was reminded that another year has come to an end and now the sun is setting on another chapter in history. This has been a great year; one full of events that are both forgettable and memorable.
On the downside, 2007 almost saw me throw away a career that I love over nothing more than perception. In 2007, we saw the loss of an adoption in the final stages of the process; leaving us feeling as if there was a death in the family. 2007 saw me become disillusioned with my church congregation and ready to walk out. This year was not all about negatives though, God had other ideas. God was on top of everything and the whole time, he was sitting there with my life map unfolded in front of him, drinking a cup of coffee and grinning from ear to ear like a proud parent who laughs when his kids do something ridiculous. I’m sure that more than once, He passed coffee through His nose as He watched me navigate this life. Then He gave me some awesome gifts. Much needed change came to my congregation. While I was pining away over the loss of a child, God was planning Morgan for me. God also revealed Himself to me this year and just when I needed it. In doing so, he have me the greatest gift I could have, a strong testimony of His powerful presence.
Rachel recently did a piece over at her blog on Caleb and how he remained determined for 45 years to collect on the promises that God had made him. Caleb was one of twelve spies sent into the land of Canaan to “scope it out”. He was also one of only two who believed that they (The Israelites) could take it. Caleb trusted in God and never looked any other direction. Me? I have a tendency to be one of the other ten. I sometimes think more about how big the obstacles are instead of just trusting that God is capable of handling anything. I guess I need to focus a little harder.
There have been two locations that I have found in this world where I felt more at peace and closer to God than any other place on earth. One is Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park; the other, my own front yard after a new fallen snow. One of my favorite things to do is to go outside at 3:00 in the morning after a new snow and just sit. What do I do? I simply listen to the quiet. This type of quiet is almost indescribable but I will try my best. The background noise is missing. The traffic, the people, the baby crying; they’re all gone. Even the subtle sounds of nature like the animals moving around, the sound of a falling branch and wind through the trees are not there. It is absolute peace and quiet. That’s where I need to be this coming year; spending more time tuning out all of the background noise and entering into the peace of Christ, the ultimate quiet spot. For it is there that I can stay focused on God and the great things that He has in store for me.
Be careful though because sitting on the horizon, just outside of view, dark clouds are lurking around waiting for you to lose your focus. When you do, they will move in faster than any super cell you’ve ever seen and will create more havoc than the largest hurricane. Without your focus, Grey will be the color of your skies and the shape of your outlook. With your focus intact, you can keep the greyness at bay; not only from yourself but from others as well.
Underneath all of the snow lying dormant is the grass, plants and flowers (and weeds) which in the spring, will erupt into a flurry of color, growth, beauty and renewal. It is no wonder to me that Easter is in the spring. “I Make All Things New”. We don’t have to wait though. At the turn of the clock at midnight on the 31st (or for that matter, every other day), it’s like we get a “do over”. We get to start all over again with a fresh slate and bright eyes that look toward the future…a future worth living for and a future worth living in.
Happy New Year To All
