This is a photo of the South Inlet in the False Cape State Park. There was a sign that said it was created by a hurricane, in the 1970’s as I recall.
It’s easy to observe the destructive forces in our lives. Harder to see the creative forces. Hint: they may be the same.
It’s not every day you see a rainbow. I can’t ever remember seeing one in the morning and evening on the same day. This was the one we saw in the evening a couple of days ago while at Virginia Back.
Rainbows are associated with pots of gold. This is an ancient fable and it seems possible that it was made up in part to represent the foolishness of chasing wealth. Foolish because there is no real end of a rainbow just as there is no end to chasing wealth.
I associate rainbows with hope. Probably because of God’s promise to Noah in Genesis. Just as foolish to some, I suppose.
I read a reflection a few days ago about being grateful for things that we tend to take for granted. It is said that sometimes you don’t appreciate something until it is gone. This photo is dramatic but the lack of color stands out.
I’m sure everyone is discovering “ordinary” things they miss now that they are gone. Maybe it’s hugs from family or friends. Maybe quiet time (if you are home schooling) or socializing (if you are home alone). Now is a good time to take notice of “ordinary” things and be thankful.
One of the things I enjoy about an early morning run is the solitude. Nothing like a little time alone to sort through all that is going on the world/my life.
My idea of prayer has changed considerably through the years of my life. I used to think of prayer as talking to God. Now my prayer time is a little less talking and a lot more listening. Early morning runs are definitely prayer time.
These birds obviously did not get the social distancing directive. This photo is a reminder that like the birds, we were created to live in community.
Social distancing is a one of many big challenges that we are now facing. Schools have been closed, people are working from home or not able to work at all. Church services have been cancelled across the country. Many people are already suffering.
Today’s daily meditation from the Center for Action and Contemplation: “[God] wants us to come to the [Divine Presence] in our anger, in our fear, in our loneliness, in our hurt, and in our confusion.”
God is there for us; we must also be there for each other.
God created this scene. God will get us through this pandemic.
I remember this day very well (unlike many vacation days which become a blur with time). Our cruise ship arrived at port in St Thomas before we were up. We took a taxi from the Cruise ship port to the ferry port on the other side of the island. We then took the ferry over to Cruz Bay, on St. John Island. This is a photo overlooking Cruz Bay. Our travels were far from over as we had to take a taxi to the other side of St. John where we were planning to hike in the National Park. At the end of the day, we did the reverse- taxi/ferry/taxi. I think we spent a total of about five hours traveling back-and-forth and about three hours hiking. However, I can truthfully say that getting there (and back) was half the fun.
And so should our walk with God be!
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
John 1:1-5
(Photo: New Smyrna Beach)
This photo was taken a year ago in Jamaica. I’ve seen sun rays coming through the clouds many times before, but never such a focused beam in the distance.
The ocean can seem overwhelming in its vastness. Full of mystery. A reminder of how small and fragile we are. Yet some see only challenges to be overcome.
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
For I am Yours and You are mine
(Hillsong United, Oceans)
This photo was taken as we were approaching to land in Athens. Athens is near the center of the photo. When I took the picture, my focus was on the city and how it seems to be creeping up the bordering mountains. I didn’t notice the layer of white near the top of the photo until I was editing it. My initial thought was that these were mountains, maybe even the Alps! But on closer inspection, I realized they were “only” clouds.
Why do I find it disappointing they are not mountains? Maybe clouds seem more common or ordinary. While there is comfort in the familiar, excitement often lies in the unknown or at least the less known. Conversely, there is a tendency to fear the less known. May we be grateful for both the foreign and familiar.
