The Landscape of our Lives

It seems that the landscape of our lives is always changing; we open the window to a new day, and the view is altogether different from the day before. Each and every day brings new challenges, and of course, we never know what these challenges may be ahead of time.

We do know, that no matter what, we are up to the challenge. God has equipped us with everything we need, day to day. It may be that a hurricane is on its way, or a family member becomes ill; God is there in the midst of our daily life, and He does not want it to be a grind…ever! Even in the worst of times, He speaks His joy into our hearts. His is a joy that does not depend on circumstances; His is a forever joy, not bound by time or place as we know it.

Why does He speak this joy to us on a continuous, on-going, day to day basis? He does this because He loves us. He does this because we are His very own children. He wants to comfort us when we have any ailment whatsoever. And He knows that every single, solitary day, we need Him more than we did the day before. Like toddlers tossing in their beds, afraid of the darkness, He knows we need His light, an eternal flame to guide our way and keep us safe.

Our God wants us to celebrate life, even though there will be turmoil at times. He wants us to know that when we open the window each day and look out, He is there with us. Rain or shine, He is present, start to finish, day in and day out.

In every season of our lives, there is magic to be found as we look out at a brand-new view. Sometimes, all we see at first is the autumn light, soft and diffused, with the leaves of days gone by swirling before our eyes. And then, all at once, we see the green leaves of a new day, blowing gently in our direction. They cause us to focus, to remember that each new day is a gift, each new day is a present to open.

Yes, the landscape changes, and that is true for us all. There are mountains and valleys, and clear, running streams. There is daybreak and nightfall. There are tears and shouts of joy. All of this is part of life as we traverse the winding roads and rocky paths. Sometimes, we stumble, but God is faithful. He picks us up and wipes away the dust from the fall.

As we gaze up the mountain, all that wonderful mountain air filling our lungs, we keep climbing. We know the winding road that will lead us home. How blessed we are with a view that rises all the way to heaven. Praise our God of heaven and earth, the Father who loves us without end.

The view is beautiful, even through the raindrops and teardrops, cleansing the earth, and ourselves, as well. For when the mist clears, and we open our eyes, we see the most extraordinary view of all; we see the love of God in every living thing. It is a view that surpasses anything we have ever seen before, and it just gets better day by day.

John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and to have it abundantly.”