Aaaahhhh... The Sunshine

As I was driving down the road, I noticed this bright light in the sky. It seemed vaguely familiar, as if I'd experienced something like that so long ago. The light penetrated through my clothes and seemed to warm me right to the bone! Oh, wait! I think it's coming back to me now - it was THE SUN!! I had forgotten what it was like to have warm sunshine on me!!

It truly amazes me how my entire mood can change from the ho-hum to all smiles, just by feeling the sun on my face! The entire world seems to have a different spin on it when the sun is shining! I realized that I had been in a little funk with all the snow on the ground and gloomy days and now the sun is shining and warm weather is on the horizon!

Yes, in my own life, even as pastor, I have sunny days and gloomy days. Why is it that so often people expect that I, as a pastor, can't have a bad day? Why is it that people assume that I don't have doubts or I don't get bogged down with uncertainty? Why is it that it is not allowed of me to be able to question God in things, but rather it is expected of me to always see the sunny side?? Dis not Thomas doubt? Did not Moses question? Did not Paul wonder?

Yes, I have gloomy, cloudy, overcast days - days when I cannot reflect the sun and warmth on others. But, when the sun is shining, it's truly shining. I enjoy be able to share the warmth and light with others. Yes, for the most part, I know and see God's hand at work. And, when it's been gloomy for days, the sun always shines - EVENTUALLY!

Almighty God,

Creator of the heavens and the earth,

Sustainer of all life - the sun and the clouds,

We thank You for the sun's rays and the warmth it brings

especially after seeing gloomy and cold for so long.

But, we also thank You for those dark days

for they help us to appreciate the sun even more!

Let us be thankful for the gloomy days of life

as they help us appreciate the brighter days,

and let us be thankful for the sunny days

and appreciate the warmth.

May we share those bright days as a gift to others

with gloomy days in their forecast.

You have our best interest at heart

and we forever give you the praise.

In Jesus' name we pray,

AMEN.

May God bless you with many sunny days - and gloomy ones, too! Count them as blessings!!

Your sister in Christ,

Pastor Heather