Behind our home stand many large trees that border a small creek bed. As the sun sets, fireflies rise from the grass and undergrowth, slowly soaring higher and higher until the trees appear decorated for Christmas.
Hundreds of glimmering lights sparkle against the deep dark of night.
God’s creative handiwork, right in our own backyard.
* * * * *
On the Fourth of July our family attended the local Independence Day parade. While waiting for the festivities to begin, a young boy seated next to us chatted with me every now and then.
One time he commented, “Wow! There’s not even one cloud in the sk___ . . . Wait a minute. There’s a little one over there.”
We both studied the wisp of vapor for a moment. “It’s disappearing already,” he added.
Together we witnessed the last visible curl evaporate away. My attention returned to people-watching.
Moments later the boy suddenly cried out, “There it is again!”
Sure enough, the water droplets had regathered themselves.
It was then I noticed a phenomenon that I’d missed before. In the area of that little cloud was a faint veil of fog, barely visible. Millions, perhaps billions of water droplets were suspended there all along.
The boy and I only noticed them when they drew together in a dense gathering.
Watching the cloud reform, the boy exclaimed, “Cool!” Cool indeed.
God’s ingenious engineering of the elements, right above the street.
* * * * *
After dinner recently Steve said, “I’ll do the dishes.”
Now lots of husbands probably do the dishes now and then. But do they also do the cooking? My Steve does! He actually enjoys it, and almost always takes care of the cleanup, too. (Sorry, he’s not for sale.)
God’s love expressed to me through my caring husband, right there in our kitchen.
* * * * *
Our toddler granddaughter loves the swings at the park. “Weeee!” she squeals with each push. For her it’s a new, exciting delight.
Actually, Elena’s days are filled with new discoveries: the ping-sound of a metal post when struck with a stick, the mystery of bubbles that disappear with a touch, the slow, spiral dance of a dropped feather.
Her eyes sparkle; her smiles and laughter indicate intense pleasure.
God’s gift of joy on display right in our own family.
* * * * *
And paying attention to all of these manifestations makes me more aware of his presence.
And awareness of his presence changes my heart.
Stress gives way to peace, tedium gives way to joy, striving gives way to contentment, fear gives way to consolation.
And surely God must smile when we live aware and celebrate his gracious provision.
* * * * *
I praise you, Father, for reminding me of your active, loving presence throughout each day, everywhere I go — even at a parade. Thank you for ministering to my needs, assuaging my fears, comforting my hurts, and giving me joy. What a gracious God you are!
Image credits: http://www.wikimediacommons.org (Sushanth2212); www. wikimediacommons.org (GerritR); http://www.flickr.com (Ryan Lee); Nancy Ruegg.
(I do apologize for reblogging again, this time from July 17, 2014. We’ve had one commitment, event, or appointment, one after another for the last week.)
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From the Inside Out 