Strange is my first thought as I draw open my west-facing curtains. I never expect to see the full moon at sunrise. But there it is shining through an early morning mist that clings and runs like tears along the leaves and through the blades of grass. A comforting verse suddenly runs through my mind: “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalms 30:5)
The sky is grey—like it is just after sunset when dusk begins to set in. But this sky is on its way to sunrise. The full moon’s job of lighting the night sky will be complete when the sun’s brightness dismisses it with, “Good job. My turn now.”
It is always a surprise, after a long and difficult night, to open the curtains of my mind and find this symbol of hope and know the sun’s brilliance will relight my life. Frozen at my window, I continue to gaze at this beautiful moon. I am reminded that it is just a reflection. It is not the original source of light. In the midst of this night’s darkness, the sun is still trying to help—if only in a reflective way.
When life throws me off course and robs me of my peace, I can still know that God is present with me as He promised—that there is hope for the future morning. I see His reflection on the faces of friends and my family, feel it in their arms around my shoulders and hear it in the voices of comforters sharing my burdens.
The gift of God’s continued presence, His reflective light, is still there, although there are times, as in this moment, that I can only see dimly through the mist. I am grateful for the message of this early morning moon. It reminds me to stand firm in the knowledge that, with time, the mist will lift, His provision will become more visible and the night will give way to “joy in the morning.”
Thank you, Betty and Nancy.
Really beautiful Laurie!
Even though I don’t share the religious feelings you have, Laurie, I appreciate your grace and thankfulness for whatever nature has to offer. Thank you for writing it down.
Awareness. A new good word for me. Be aware of the beauty in the world around me. It is a reflection of God’s love for me whether I am aware of it or not. it is there all of the time, waiting, watching… Beautifully written, Laurie.
So soothing. At times I fail to see the beauty in the world around me. Now I will look up at the sky to find the moon and stars . They are there, like God’s love, watching over me whether I am aware of it or not. Awareness. My new good word. Thanks, Laurie .
Soothing and hopeful.We can all relate to these images -Thank you
Thank you, Marcia and Gerry, for your kind words.
I love the visual images & emotional feelings that this brings up & the knowing that God is always present. This is beautifully written.
You certainly have a way with words! Beautiful insight into God’s reflective light in our lives.
Thank you, Sherri!
Good job, Laurie! So well written, and a good application.
Thank you Jill and Ann. It was my hope that this post would bring comfort to others, too.
Amen. Thanks for your reflective and encouraging piece, Laurel. See you Saturday. J
Laurel, this is beautiful. I love the moon but have not seen it as you do and will enjoy it much more next time I see the moon in the early morning as a gift of healing from God. Many thanks, Ann