As the gold ball rises, pouring light through the trees and penetrating the morning fog with slated rays…hope begins to rise.
A surge of wonder plays witness to the newness of this day.
Psalm 19:6: “It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.
It’s quiet. My heart has room to breathe and to feel ahead of the “what lies before” of this coming day, if only for a few precious minutes.
Watching the sun rise, taking her place and warming the earth, shining aglow day after day – it reminds me gently, yet strongly, what God is politely asking of me. To faithfully rise each day and take my special place here…assigned just for me. To warm the earth by shining aglow, daily, doing what He has laid out before me.
Psalm 19:1-2a: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”
How can this be done? The task feels too big, too great. In this little corner of the earth, how do I rise and then shine, when I feel so tired, so overwhelmed…by a house that never feels clean, and meals that continually need to be prepared, and all this “stuff” covering floors and overtaking counters.
Look! There she is burning bright, almost blinding the eye as she sheds radiant light through fingerprint-smeared windows.
Psalm 19:4b-5: “In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.”
What’s her secret?
She lets God direct her day. He calls her forth and she answers with action, willingly responding to His call to come forth, as gold. Whether her divine purpose is acknowledged or not, she does her duty, exercising her privilege in providing what is needed to those under her care.
That’s her secret – Him. For she is ill-equipped without Him. She does what she needs to, time after time, because He is supplying her needs; fueling her light, directing her course, lovingly ordaining each day.
So as the sun’s light shines through, making dim, at least momentarily, the books, clothes and toys strewn about – I take a deep breath and catch a hopeful glimpse of a new day. My soul is at rest and aligned properly under the Maker’s Hand.
I reach for a favorite mug… the one that declares more of what I need to hear this morning,
“Just think, you’re here not by chance, but by God’s choosing. His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else, you are one-of-a-kind. You lack nothing that His grace can’t give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation.” -Roy Lessin
This moment I choose, and will keep choosing throughout this day’s course, to shine. I commit now to not try it on my own strength, but allow Him to fuel me so I can shine for those here, and in turn warm the earth with the True Source of light and life living in and through me.
Psalm 46:5: “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
Leave a Comment
Ruth says
Wow, what a wonderful image, especially in these darker days as winter approaches. I love that even in that darkness the Lord gives light and warmth through the sun. For me that is the truth I’m trying to learn, it is the Lord who gives, our amazing, generous, creator God. He is the great giver. I don’t have to struggle and strive to shine, just submit to Him and the glory of the Lord will shine out in my broken life and so in His broken world.
Thank you for triggering these thoughts Katie. What a great start to a busy Tuesday, bless you
Katie Meg says
Ruth- I love when you said, “I don’t have to struggle to shine”- oh, don’t we do that- we strive, and struggle; when all along, His light is within- not without. Have a radiant day, following the course He has set before you.:)
Cherise says
This was exactly what I needed to hear this morning! My mind often rushes ahead to my 5-year plan, trying to figure out the best time for a second degree, starting our family, doing ministry, etc. Thanks for the reminder that all He is asking of me today is to let Him shine through me in the present.
Katie Meg says
Cherise- Oh I understand! I am a “recovering type A”- I love the 5 year planning but all my franticness and striving often leads to missing out on the miracle and fullness of each day. Blessings to you as you rest in the shadow of His wings today- such freedom is found- nestled in right there.:)
J says
Thanks for sharing this post. It really encourages me a lot. Sometimes I really need to let go, and let God. A season of waiting. Having Hope and trusting that He will provide. I love psalm 46:5.:)
Shelli Littleton says
This is so sweet, Katie Meg. Sometimes we need a reminder of our true purpose …
karyn says
Amen.
Rising up radiant.
🙂
anuradha says
Thank you, this post is poetry for my heart. The words are like the gurgling of a pure, clear mountain stream! I sit on the terrace with a Maui sun warming the back of my neck shining through a palm tree and I think of the same sun glimpsing through gray clouds and old oaks back home in Hamburg, filling us no matter what circumstances with light and peace. I too choose to shine today.
Rebecca says
Thanks Katie! A wonderful reminder for me. I actually love getting up early when I do (it’s getting out of bed that is hard) and it makes my day so much fuller when I spend my morning right. I am going to try to get back into the habit. I need that time with the Lord and no other part of the day works the same for me. Your post made me long for the morning to be here now. Looking forward to tomorrow morning. 🙂
Dana @momsieblog says
Thank you. My first thoughts this morning were “Lord. Help. Really? How do I rise above when I can’t even see above the laundry pile?”
Daily struggle, I tell you.
So, amen sister. 🙂
Leah Jlyn says
Lovely!
Lisa Buffaloe says
Beautiful post, Katie. Thank you for the breath of fresh, glorious, radiant heaven sent air!
Julie says
I love where you say your soul is at rest and aligned properly in the Makers Hands. I am practicing being “present” and not striving.
Katie Meg says
Thank you for your encouragement and kind words ladies. It is amazing how the same big, and personal, God speaks to each of us- in our unique callings and circumstances we share the common bond of belonging; to Him.
Holley Gerth says
I’d never thought about the sun this way, Katie! Thank you for your beautiful and insightful post. 🙂
Katie Meg says
Thanks Holley:)
Beth Williams says
Katie,
You just made my day with the quote by Roy Lessin.
“Just think, you’re here not by chance, but by God’s choosing. 🙂 His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else, you are one-of-a-kind. You lack nothing that His grace can’t give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation.” -Roy Lessin
It takes a lot out of me to go to a job that I don’t really like with a boss who doesn’t much like me. More days I just want to quit and stay home, but I know in my heart that God has me there for a reason & a season! 🙂 Everything happens in His timing!! 🙂 I must work at shining like the sun to others around me!
Thanks for the reminder!!!
Katie Meg says
Beth- Praying that God will give you all the grace you need as you work as unto Him. As you abide in The Lord and are strengthened by His Word may He help you impart grace to those around you. Blessing and have a joy-filled day.:)
Beth Williams says
Thanks Katie!
May God Bless you and your family this holiday season (Thanksgiving and Christmas!)
Beth Ann says
My friend,
What a blessing to absorb these words and to know God better through them! I love your thoughtful reflections and your obedience in writing them down. I praise God that you are a friend who points me to Christ! Thank you!
Katie Meg says
Thank you Beth Ann, dear kindred spirit.:)