I’ve been up since early. It’s my custom. There are things I do while its still dark out to get ready for the day. Meeting the sun every morning is a constitutional. As the light begins to break the horizon and pierce through the darkness, I recall Lamentations 3:22-23.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning…”
It is no surprise to me that one of the most beautiful passages from the Bible is smack in the middle of a book of lament. Beauty can emerge from lament. It’s also why I think the appearance of the sun over a dark landscape is one of the most beautiful things I can experience. God knows I need that fresh supply of mercy – Every. Day. That’s something I hope is unquestionable for anyone that spends time around me. “…Great is His Faithfulness.”
Two weeks ago, my two grand kids were spending the weekend with Joy and I. In the quiet of the Saturday morning, I could hear a little voice. Quietly I walked up the steps and opened the door to her room. It was dark in the room but I could see her little arm motioning me to enter the room. I sat on the floor next to her bed. She said in the sweetest little whisper, “I’m awake.”
“I see that, Miss Ellie. Did you sleep well?” She nodded.
And then she looked toward the window (pictured above). “Is the sun awake?”
_________________________________________________________________
I could have told her…
I could have said a lot of things I guess.
Scientific facts. Things I learned is Astronomy 101.
Physiological facts about sleep requirements of toddlers.
Medical facts about the healing benefits of sleep.
But I didn’t, thankfully. (more on that later).
_________________________________________________________________
“Yes, Little One. It is. Let’s go see what things it is illuminating.”
PS: Engaging with people should never be about demonstrating how smart you are, how ignorant they are, how right(eous) you are, or how wrong they are. Much of what I’m hearing right now is not a pursuit of Truth or for the recognition of the Imago Dei that ALL of us carry. Ya’ll, we need to do better.
Lay aside your rage and fear. Take up compassion. Seek the truth – that includes approaching the search with the realization you may discover you were wrong about something. I can say with all certainly that you (and I) will be way more wrong in our lives than we are right. I can tell you from personal experience that admitting your wrong about something is neither a death sentence nor humiliating. It’s actually liberating. The goal isn’t to be right. Can we talk? The goal is knowing the truth. That’s an active pursuit, and when you know it – it will set you free.
Spend time seeing life through the lens of another – someone different than you. Ask not just what they believe…but why. How did we get here? Maybe then, in those conversations, you might find the humanity that binds us together, the Image of God that though marred each of us bears, and our common need of daily mercy that flows from a Merciful God.
Share this:
Related Post
Dedication (well sorta)
This isn’t a book. There isn’t even anything written yet. But I feel it...
It’s All About...
I suffer from a horrible disease. Maybe you have heard of it. It’s called...
Anything Will Help
I’ve been testing God. I’ve been seeing if he can be taken at His word. ...
People People
I’m often asked by my Bride to get something out of the refrigerator or cabinet for...
A Brief Conversation…
The characters in this brief but true drama are my youngest Jesse, God, and yours truly....
I Got Nothing…
A family affiliated with the Jehovah’s Witness approached me today wanting to share...
Beautiful Daddy, and poignantly well put.
There is a reason why when things get tough, my first thought is to head to Colorado — to be able to grab some time with you and to soak in some of those early morning conversations. It is a place where I feel safe, loved, and treasured. You have given me a clearer reflection of Him. I am learning — oh, so slowly — that no matter where I am, I can know that same truth with Him. Thank you for always pointing me back to Him.