A Frozen Sunrise

There are moments in life that are quickly defined by time and space and as you are experiencing this moment you capture it in your heart and have the assurance that it will never be forgotten.

In the beauty of an early morning, with the ground still frozen and the stillness of the cold air, we ventured to a place that is normally teeming with people.  Though desolate from others, it was alive with the past that it represents and the future of what could be.  Looking out from these steps, hope seemed to be swelling in the cold breeze that was drifting through the white-walled monument. 

It was the perfect stillness of the soul that many long for. Tranquil, calm and undisturbed describes these moments. The soundlessness spoke loudly.  Never have I been to this place in a time like this.  We experienced a short time of having something so large and grand all to ourselves. 

It was for a purpose that we came and it didn't take long for it to transpire.  As we waited, the anticipation mounted and we looked out and paused for the first small glimpse of our quest.  And it was enchanting. In a place where decisions are made, deals are broken, the fate of people is mapped out without a thought, this moment was breathtaking.  

Watching the sun rise gently and majestically over the frozen water and the dignified reminders of what our country stands for,  I stood in awe of all that was and could be.  

We are hours away from 2014..a new year..a fresh start…a do-over.  Each new sunrise we are given is a new day dawning.  This new year is, in respect, the same thing.  What will I do with this new year? What will you do with it?  Will we go through the next 365 days doing the same thing, spending the same money, making this year a carbon-copy of the last? 

Or will we spend time focusing on what God has for us in 2014.  It's probably more than we can ever imagine. God is like that. He normally comes out of left field with His plans. That's why we cannot fathom His ways.  

God says this:

 " For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

We don't have to worry or wonder what God has for us in 2014. We have to trust that He is FOR us and WITH us, and whatever He allows in this new year is for our good and His glory.  

Just like the sunrise that brought quiet and stillness and wonder, let God bring you a more desirable quiet, stillness and wonder. He is more than we can imagine and breathtaking in all He does.  His ways are refining and can bring us closer to Him on a daily basis.  

In 2014 may we strive to love people more, focus on social justice, forgive others, give away more money, read our Bible more than ever and be changed by it, and may we look like Jesus to a world that  doesn't know Him. 

Let the love of God's tenderness and passion for you slowly shine on your heart like a sunrise over a darkened, frozen pond that melts away into a life that lives for the One who makes the sun shine. 

Happy 2014.