Color
The color takes my breath away! This artist has impeccable taste… and He loves color. I’ve never seen so many shades of green. It seems everywhere I look a see more green.
The fields are covered with green as the miles whiz by on the grasslands of Montana and Idaho. Even Nevada is greener than I ever remember seeing it. But it’s as I leave the flat lands and head up the mountain passes to that lake I’ve always seen on the movies – the lake of the celebrities - that the green begins to really overwhelm me - the multitudes of greens that seem to cry out with their vibrancy of life.
We follow the narrow highway to the top of the lookout and then stop to gaze at the crystal clear waters of the lake. Even this part of the lake has joined the chorus of green as it sparkles with the likeness of emeralds. Sheer beauty. Sparkling green – a cleanness about it – yet bursting with sounds like songs of praise.
I am so I took the long road and came to this spot. I hate to leave. Yet I know the Creator took delight when He formed this place.
My journey continues for my goal is the ocean. I want to see the blue – but to get there all I see is green.
That magical highway in California (you know, the 101) winds me through more palates of green. The trees seem like they want to hug me. They surround me with a sense of life. They too shout Praise to the Creator! I am simply amazed at how many vibrant and vivacious shades of green there are. Each green so energetic, so brilliant.
I can’t help myself. I have to stop the car and simple sit still. I need to be refreshed with the pulsating of the forest. I breath deeply. I smell the greenness. I can almost hear it bursting with life as it grows today. I join the song as the choir of creation sings Glory Hallelujah.
I try to record the animation of this spot – but my man made camera can’t begin to capture the beauty of the green of creation. The video will never record the song of praise as the earth declares the glory of the Lord.
But it’s recorded in my heart and my memory and I know I just need to stop and sit still long enough to bring me back to this spot, to this time. And when I do, I will once again be refreshed and renewed. That’s why the artist, The Creator, used the shades of green to make this place. Yes, He made for his glory, but I’m so thankful that He shared with me. I think it’s a glimpse of what heaven will be like - full of life and bursting with color.
55
It was only yesterday that I was dreaming of the house with the white picket fences and children laughing as the played on the swings.
It was only yesterday that I went off to explore a new world and discovered a world I knew nothing of. Oh the wonder of having my eyes opened. The wonder of making new friends… life long friends. College days were the best days of my life to this point in time.
It was only yesterday I turned 20.
It was only yesterday I was the beautiful bride walking down the aisle on my proud father’s arm … and then continued to my new home to set up house for my Prince.
It was only yesterday I brought my first bundle of joy home and realized my world would never be the same. Oh the fun we had. And soon there were four and our family was now six.
It was only yesterday I turned 30.
It was only yesterday I mingled with the many friends, members, staff, and workers of the children and family ministries I was involved with. I remember fondly all the hours of prayer, preparation, and participation in the various events and outreach efforts of the camp and community church.
It was only yesterday I turned 40.
It was only yesterday I watched them march in proudly in their cap and gown and celebrate that their formal education finished. I was SO proud.
It was only yesterday I turned 50.
It was only yesterday I faced the reality that my house was empty and my “job” was finished. My full time roles as a mother was complete and I wondered around the house wondering what I was suppose to be doing now.
Today I accept that
The future is what’s important; the pasts the past!
Focus on what’s next, not on what happened yesterday.
So tomorrow is another day.
Tomorrow I turn 55.
Tomorrow I will enjoy a piece of birthday cake and not worry about the calories or the carbs.
Tomorrow I celebrate a life of blessings
Tomorrow I give thanks for 55 years of confidently knowing the He never has and never will leave me nor forsake me.
Tomorrow I begin those “last ten years before retirement” according to our society and social calendar.
But I am excited that
Tomorrow is still another day to proclaim that He is Lord… that He is my Provider … and that He knows the journey I take.
Tomorrow I rejoice for I go in confidence that He has prepared me for the wonderful life that lies ahead.
