Amazed

I was traveling a few weeks ago, and was fortunate enough to fly at one of the best times to be flying. Sunset! This sunset was different though. I wasn't fascinated with the colors of the sunset itself. I was fascinated with the surprise of the sunset.

While sitting in the airplane waiting for takeoff, all I saw was an overcast sky covered in storm clouds. It was drizzling rain while I looked out the window. As we began to taxi down the runway, I was looking forward to getting back to sunny Colorado and glittering snow. As soon as the plane lifted into the air, we soared above the layer of storm clouds.

I was amazed! I went from seeing grey storm clouds all around. Then without expecting it there was beauty! Beauty I was unaware of because the storm-filled sky had completely blocked my view of any beauty above. Once above the storm-covered sky we were graced with blue skies as far as your eye could see. A beautiful sunset was starting to take place. The initial beauty of pinks, oranges, and yellows I saw was only the beginning.  As the sun continued to set during my flight, the beauty of the sky grew as the colors increased.

I thought of how we go through storms and when we only see the hard abounding God is at work creating beauty even when we can't see it. It is easy to forget this or not have faith when all we see are problems. When we do see the beauty, we are amazed! And we are even more amazed that the beauty increases more than we could ever think. This is who God is. His ways are much higher than our ways. It is by God's grace that he chooses to love on us even in our weakness and when we aren't seeking him. 

None of us have problem-free lives so what are you seeking in the midst of whatever storm you may be facing? How would life look if in the midst of the storm we had the expectancy and faith that God is at work on the beauty we can't see? Today I'd like to leave you with what I read this morning in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, "Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One."

and yes, it was great to get back to admiring God's great work of creation in sunny Colorado and the glittering snow. Praise the Lord for who he is!