This photo was taken in Jamaica at Galina Breeze looking out over the sea on the night we arrived. Things can look so different at night. In large part, because we do not see in color at night. But there also a drop in depth perception. Yet another example of things looking different from different perspectives.

There is a current song by Laura Story that speaks to viewing things in our lives from a different perspective. I think the lyrics are very powerful:

What if your blessings come through raindrops?

What if Your healing comes through tears?

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom

Your voice to hear

We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near

We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love

As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

All the while, You hear each desperate plea

And long that we’d have faith to believe

When friends betray us

When darkness seems to win

We know that pain reminds this heart

That this is not our home

One of the things I enjoy most in Jamaica (other than the people) is the food, especially the fruit. We were given a “garden” tour last week, and I took this picture of mangos on the tree. Mangos are probably my favorite fruit; almost sweeter than honey.

How sweet are your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

God woke me early this morning, so I headed down to the water at the hotel where our group stays in Jamaica. It has been cloudy every morning, so there wasn’t much to see at sunrise most days. Today, however, was nothing short of spectacular.

Our group reflection at the beginning of the week was about encountering God. Today’s sunrise was a great example of the ways God “meets” us.

The Divine seeks us, desires us, and waits for the opportunity to meet us. Fortunately for us, God meets us where we are and in ways we are able to perceive the encounter. (Vinita Hampton Wright)

This photo reminds me of the old line/joke about someone who is “outstanding in his/her field.” It is sometimes intended as a genuine compliment, but often meant that someone is different than others. Sort of like someone who “marches to the beat of a different drummer.”

Each of us is called to be outstanding; in the words of Matthew Kelly, to “become the best version of ourselves.” Sometimes that means standing alone or standing out which can be uncomfortable.

So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19