With the clouds spread overhead, and the earth darkened, we can't really see what is around us. Clouds are usually visible because they darken the sun. An eclipse wouldn't be an eclipse if the sun were on the other side of the world from us. But, sometimes there is this other-worldly perspective when we look up at the sky at night, when it has been raining, and we can see clouds, night clouds. This phenomenon is a strange perspective which we are granted, an almost discernment which allows us to see, really see what it is that has made us blind.
Because of night clouds, I refuse to allow myself to be smothered by events. For, it is the gale winds that blow the clouds from overhead. And, when your storms begin to blow over, and when the clouds fly apart, then you will see what the elements are hiding from your eyes. In the same manner, we all too often fail to notice our blessings.
Because of night clouds, I refuse to allow myself to be smothered by events. For, it is the gale winds that blow the clouds from overhead. And, when your storms begin to blow over, and when the clouds fly apart, then you will see what the elements are hiding from your eyes. In the same manner, we all too often fail to notice our blessings.
This is a backyard snow scene. The night out was dark, pitch black. The security light came on to reveal the shadows that wouldn't have been visible had it not been for the blanket of snow that had fallen freshly on the ground. This phenomenon is similar to the stark beauty of night clouds.
| A Night Thought Lo! where the Moon along the sky Sails with her happy destiny; Oft is she hid from mortal eye Or dimly seen, But when the clouds asunder fly How bright her mien! Far different we--a froward race, Thousands though rich in Fortune's grace With cherished sullenness of pace Their way pursue, Ingrates who wear a smileless face The whole year through. If kindred humours e'er would make My spirit droop for drooping's sake, From Fancy following in thy wake, Bright ship of heaven! A counter impulse let me take And be forgiven. William Wordsworth | These night clouds, time lapsed by Sasha, are different from most others found in art. Most show clouds from the light of the moon, and are much like day clouds. These reveal the special type of night clouds with no light behind them. I think these kind of night clouds are special because I am delighted when I am walking outside at night, and can see them. It surprises me that they are even visible at all. That's special! |
Take my life, for an instance. I believe that Satan blew in these clouds of physical problems to cloud my view of all the blessings God was bringing into my life. There I was, being blessed by God. God had brought my son Travis to a point where he was about to graduate from high school, after years of struggling through autism and Asberger's Syndrome. God had brought my son Matt back into my life, after years of separation. And, God had brought Larry into my life just a month before, after two decades of raising my sons alone.
Satan looked up just a moment too late. It was a done deal. So, he let out a blood-curdling scream and clouds came billowing out before me, in an attempt to cloud all these blessings from my eyes. Hello evil doctors. Hello scars and more surgeries. Hello electrocuting implant. Hello Transverse Myelitis. Goodby career. Goodby fair weather friends. Goodby 40% of my income for life. Or so it seemed.
And, therein is my point. So it seemed! I see through those night clouds. I see them even in the dark. I know they are there, but I know what they are trying to hide. Even when the night seems dark, there is my husband and my son, reminding me that there is a God behind those clouds. And, He is active in my life, or else they wouldn't be here. Just this past week we paid the balance on Travis' tuition and fees for this Summer semester at West Georgia Tech. I am so proud he made it to this point. And, Larry has been teaching him how to drive this week, something that I have not been able to do. I had taken him to get his learners before the clouds covered my sky. Now, Larry is finishing the job. We still have to buy his textbooks, and classes start in four weeks.
And, yes I have had friends who couldn't understand my pride over my son's steps. They thought that because he wasn't "gifted" I had nothing to be proud of. That was their biggest mistake. I am not proud of my children because they are gifted. I am proud of them because I have been gifted. My firstborn's name means "Gift of God," Matthew. God gave me two children. I love these gifts. I am gifted.
Now, as I sit here beneath these night clouds, I can see the world as it really is, in the light of day. The darkness does not cloud my mind's eyes. It is the God that I know is there, despite my failings, regardless of my limitations, irrespective of my handicap; it is He who I am relying on to see me through the dark night clouds. And, I may need my sunglasses any moment now. For, who knows when the sun will rise on my tomorrow?!
Satan looked up just a moment too late. It was a done deal. So, he let out a blood-curdling scream and clouds came billowing out before me, in an attempt to cloud all these blessings from my eyes. Hello evil doctors. Hello scars and more surgeries. Hello electrocuting implant. Hello Transverse Myelitis. Goodby career. Goodby fair weather friends. Goodby 40% of my income for life. Or so it seemed.
And, therein is my point. So it seemed! I see through those night clouds. I see them even in the dark. I know they are there, but I know what they are trying to hide. Even when the night seems dark, there is my husband and my son, reminding me that there is a God behind those clouds. And, He is active in my life, or else they wouldn't be here. Just this past week we paid the balance on Travis' tuition and fees for this Summer semester at West Georgia Tech. I am so proud he made it to this point. And, Larry has been teaching him how to drive this week, something that I have not been able to do. I had taken him to get his learners before the clouds covered my sky. Now, Larry is finishing the job. We still have to buy his textbooks, and classes start in four weeks.
And, yes I have had friends who couldn't understand my pride over my son's steps. They thought that because he wasn't "gifted" I had nothing to be proud of. That was their biggest mistake. I am not proud of my children because they are gifted. I am proud of them because I have been gifted. My firstborn's name means "Gift of God," Matthew. God gave me two children. I love these gifts. I am gifted.
Now, as I sit here beneath these night clouds, I can see the world as it really is, in the light of day. The darkness does not cloud my mind's eyes. It is the God that I know is there, despite my failings, regardless of my limitations, irrespective of my handicap; it is He who I am relying on to see me through the dark night clouds. And, I may need my sunglasses any moment now. For, who knows when the sun will rise on my tomorrow?!
