When I got to the beach the was a storm out at sea directly to the east, with a dark canopy of clouds stretching overhead all the way to the shore.
In the west there were staggered cumulo-nimbus clouds dressed in shades of bright orange, rose and fuchsia outlined in silver and shaded on the top edges with a bright cream shade.
To the north the imposing cumulus towers were interspersed with patches of deep indigo in backdrop.
And in the northwest there stretched what seemed like a deep scalloped bowl shining with bright orange variegated light.
It reminded me of a Chinese lantern hanging bulgingly above the horizon.
To the south and southeast the sky was clear with just some cirrus cloud stripes that changed from pink to orange to black against a backdrop of pale blue.
The dad of a family sitting on blankets on the beach was setting off some Roman candles on the edge of the surf. They sparked bright blues and reds and whites, but the scattered lightning way out to sea flashing in the deep black and dark grey of the storm clouds in the northeast competed with the colorful flashes of the arcs of the fireworks.
After the one that went off as I walked by, the dad turned toward me and we both agreed that there was really no contest!
The lightning had it all over the Roman candles.
Before heading out to walk on the beach, I had been talking with a friend who sadly has recently lost her son who was in his twenties.
I was praying for her and her family as I walked. The thought came to me that our lives can change as quickly and permanently as the sky changes in the evening.
As quickly as a passing storm brings wind, rain and lightning and then is gone.
Throughout all the changes and troubles of our lives, though, God's love is constant whether or not we can perceive or acknowledge that fact.
In our joys and in the routines we get used to day to day, we might not always be aware of how much we are loved.
But when we deliberately draw aside to spend time consciously being aware of God's eternal love, we can find comfort.
Sometimes you may not find that peace and comfort easily, though.
Sometimes you may be numb or aggrieved, because of a loss.
Or you may feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond your control.
But God has promised that you will find the Lord when you seek Him with your whole heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
I hope you will draw aside to spend time with God soon and often. Please do.
Good night, Beloved. Sleep tight! As ever, angels guard your rest. I pray you will have sweet dreams.
Kathleen Ware Harris © 2013
kwharris777@gmail.com
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