Looking For Some Sunshine?

Good Morning,

I am comfortable sitting at our picnic table with a cup of Door County Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Coffee. I watched the sun come up this morning as our dog Gibbs chased birds around the yard. I enjoyed seeing two cardinals playing mind games with him. It was just plain "good fun" watching him trying to catch them. They did not leave when chased. they would just fly high into a tree tag teaming him. One was high and the other would come down to taunt him. All three seemed to enjoy the chase.

Isaiah 40:31 New King James Version (NKJV)

³¹ But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

 

Today I was led to write about sunshine. It is the one thing we haven't had a whole lot of lately. Our part of the world is well saturated with rain and it has been quite a few days now with rain clouds decorating the sky. But this morning, at least for awhile the sun is showing through the cloud deck. The photograph of the eagle was taken while walking with our grandson many years ago. It's not the greatest picture ever taken but it reminds me of the powerful and watchful God I love and serve.

It's not that type of sunshine though that I am led to write about. It's the sunshine that from time to time seems to be lacking in our lives. It is those days that we feel like someone filled our pockets and shoes with sand and we just lack motivation to do anything. We go through the motions of life and that's about all. It could be the clouds of change that are robbing us of a merry heart and soothed soul. Change comes in many sizes and colors. Death in a family is a change that gives us a heavy coat to wear. A child who can't seem to find his or her way in life who goes missing is a coat of change that can disturb anyone. The loss of a job is a change that can take away the sunshine in a soul. The cheating spouse who is caught in the act brings a coat of change that often is too much to bear for some people and they just give up on sunshine in their hearts.  Natural disasters like tornadoes, lava flows, hurricanes, and wild fires just drain us of our ability to have sunshine in our hearts. Just having the kids grow up and being an "empty nester" is hard changes for some. The house becomes too quiet. I could make this list go on for several pages and you would soon be asleep from the heavy reading.

But the One who can and does seek to renew our strength and be the "Sonshine" in our hearts is Jesus Christ. He seeks to partner with us during those times of darkness and despair. He should always be our sunshine, but from time to time the clouds of despair seek to block Him from our sight. But He is faithful and is always there. If we look at the storms we will see Him right in the middle of them with us. He is there in good times and the bad. He doesn't change.

 

Matthew 11:28-30 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

There is know other sweeter sound than the voice of Jesus calling to us during dark days and saying "here I am come here." He seeks to comfort us and become the "Sonshine" we need. Only He can put sunshine back into souls. Only He can add music where sound seems to have disappeared.

John 10:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Need some sunshine on your heart and soul? Try letting Jesus care for you. He has been my source of sunshine for many years. He lets me see things that I would miss during those long days and nights of change or despair. I have experienced family deaths, but through it I have learned to appreciate the cry of a newborn baby more. Because He lives we can face tomorrow and tomorrow might not be that bad. This was written with people in mind, neighbors, family and friends of mine are experiencing some of these dark days right now. My prayers are with them and any of you dear readers who are experiencing less than sunny days.

Love to all,

Marty