Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Psalms 8:1
(Photo: Sunrise at Sugarcreek Metropark)
Tag Archives: Sunrise
Be Prepared
I have been trying to get a good spider web photo for years. This is by far the best I have gotten. As often happens, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time (with phone in hand). I was on a Sunday morning run when I saw this web glistening in the sun. It was easy to see from far away.
So often we find God when we aren’t even really looking. A good reason to always be prepared.
Out of the fog
This photo was taken last Sunday during a run at Sugarcreek Preserve. It was very humid with a layer of fog. Despite running there on many humid mornings, I don’t ever remember seeing the sunlight coming through this tree like that.
God is revealed in new ways sometimes when least expected.
The New Normal
This is a photo I took a couple of weeks ago at the Sweet Arrow Park. It is still a relatively new park but has become a regular place for me to hike or run since it is so close to our home.
Forming good habits is difficult. (Breaking bad habits can be even more difficult.) Lots of people have formed new habits during this pandemic. “The new normal” is a phrase that is being used to describe many things that are different now like attending church online. Long walks/hikes. Regular quiet time for reflections.
Ordinary
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.
Preparing
I took this photo in Montana, minutes before the start of the Bozeman marathon. One thing I have learned about running marathons is that as a marathon approaches, life gets simpler. There are things I do to help prepare for the marathon and things I avoid doing.
And so it is in dealing with this pandemic. In some ways, life is simpler. There are things we are doing to stay well and things we avoid doing.
Solitude
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.
Run with God
The sun will come up (tomorrow)
It is very easy to focus on all the pain and suffering in our world right now. And to think that God’s blessings are something we should only be looking for in the future. But that would overlook God’s blessings that we are currently experiencing. Such as the treatments being provided in hospitals. The thousands of deaths being prevented through social distancing. Or the loving and generous acts of so many who are the “hands and feet” of God.
My run this morning was a wonderful reminder of God’s presence all around me. May you also recognize God’s presence with you today.
Stairway (to heaven)
The Light
This photo was taken a year ago in Jamaica, a little before sunrise. The light in the boat (just left of center) had caught my eye.
In the midst of darkness, there are many lights that we see. But there is only one Light.
Social Distancing
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.
