The Break of Dawn

The pink glow above the sea

becomes a tangerine sky.

The clouds have gathered

to see the show, soft

billowing puffs of light.

A new day.

A new hour.

A new place to begin again.

Time to Begin Again

My husband and I were so very blessed to spend a week recently in Hatteras, North Carolina. It was such an awesome week, full of reminders that God is continuously with us through every storm of life. It has been a long winter, full of our share of colds and the seasonal flu. My sister has been inviting us to come and stay at her mother in law’s house in Hatteras when it is vacant. Somehow, the time is never right and we always have something else going on. This time, we seized the opportunity for some rest and relaxation by the sea.

There are hardly words to describe what a sanctuary this week was for us. We slept for nine hours a night the first few nights, so deep in sleep, we never woke up once before morning. In a couple of days, we felt truly revitalized as though we had been on a very long vacation.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” God has set a time and a purpose for all things in life. God certainly knows that we need rest, and a time set apart from continuous ‘doing’. Why is it that we forget how very important that time of being restive is? Many times, we wait until there is a health crisis of one sort or another, and then we have to slow down a bit.

When you do slow down long enough, you begin to see things in your life so much clearly. You begin to see where you need to make changes. Life can start to feel like an endless train ride if you don’t get off now and then to see the sights. And, the sights are awesome!

In Hatteras, so close to the sea, it is as if the world were a painting. Every sunset and every sunrise is a work of art. God paints the pictures, but it is up to us to notice all the details. The wind stirs, and there is such a great sense of peace. The sea is one of God’s great masterpieces, full of mystery, full of wonder.

As I walk beside the ocean, I feel God’s steady hand. This Master of love holds my heart and my days. But, there is something more. He is the keeper of my peace.

The world can be a crazy place at times. In John 14:27, we read these words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Romans 8:28: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him.”

God knows our every thought. He knows our prayers, even when they are silent. When we allow ourselves to be still, and to listen, we hear His voice, even in the darkest night.

I do love that pink glow above the sea before sunrise. I love the sheer wonder of a new day unfolding, like a gift you get to unwrap, all the ribbons, swirls of color. Life is such a gift! But, in order to enjoy that gift, we must remember to slow down a little, and let go of ‘doing it all’, ‘all the time.’

Our calendar is looking a whole lot better than it was before our Hatteras trip! Those quiet beach days were so restorative, we realized that we need more of them! I am glad about all the home, yard, and garden projects that we accomplished this past year. We checked off a great many boxes in our home improvement list. Still, the calendar was getting pretty crowded with commitments…

“You are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you.”: Isaiah 43:4

God’s love story for us is new each day. We must be alert and appreciate all that each day offers. Yes, there will be good times, and times that are hard. We will face disappointments and heartaches. But, it is God alone who keeps our peace. As scripture promises in Psalm 30:5, “Joy comes in the morning.” May every sunrise be a reminder of God’s unfailing love and the peace that has overcome the world. John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But, take heart. I have overcome the world.”