When I was young, I remember sitting with GG, my great grandmother, on her front porch, on the glider, as she called it – which was her outdoor couch. It was pretty quiet where she lived, just outside a small town in Iowa. We would sit together and she would tell us funny stories while we watched lightening storms and fireflies. Sometimes we would watch a sunrise or a sunset. I will never forget looking out at the bright sky, full of hot pinks and oranges, reds and purples. Never a repeat showing from the day before…
My daughter came into my room this morning and said to me, “Mommy, open the blinds – its pink outside!” She loves a beautiful sunrise too. And there it was. Hot hues of fuschia and tangerine in bold strips across the eastern sky; painted there by a generous and creative Heavenly Father. It was breathtaking. We sat and soaked it in until it dissipated, because there is nothing else to be done when such a gift is given.
God has been known to use the sky as his palette in the past… I often wonder what that first rainbow looked like, when He made the promise to Noah. Was it vibrant? Were the hues bold and strong, just like the promise He was making?
As I sat and took in the sight this morning, a favorite scripture crossed my mind.
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:3-4)
I consistently have to remind myself of these verses. Regardless of yesterday’s events, even if things seem impossible for today, I can rely on this promise. These words swept across my heart this morning, in warm tones and rich hues, and it was more of a surprise than the sunrise itself.
Its not surprising because I had forgotten the verses. No, I’ve hidden them in my heart. Rather, its almost shocking how he chooses such a beautiful venue to remind me. The words of this promise are as unique as the colors of this morning’s sunrise, and together, they spoke truth to me, in my need. I was reminded that I have a Heavenly Father who, took time to not only prepare a beautiful sky, but also a fresh, new set of mercies, fashioned just for today, unlike any other. And now, I am prepared with fresh hope and strength for the day, thanks to surprising colors provided by the Creator Himself.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the lovingkindness that you show me every day. I continue to be amazed by your grace. amen.
daily portion 