On the wings of the wind

In west Texas, the wind is a reality of daily life. Winter winds cut like a knife, encountering little resistance from topography or trees. Summer winds can feel like a blast furnace when combined with 100-degree temperatures. But spring....spring winds bring all kinds of things! Sometimes they come ahead of thunderstorms, other times leading one of those surprise cold fronts (isn't winter over?). Today they were steady all day, 30-40 mph. I complained and prepared for the great brown-ness that happens when Lubbock blows in to town. However, today God treated us to a beautiful show of his splendor all day long. It began with a beautiful sunrise.

The clouds swirled throughout the day in massive formations, moving, growing, reconfiguring moment by moment.

And then tonight -30 spectacular minutes of sunset, moonrise, and birdsong as the winds began to settle down for the night.

The psalmist who wrote Psalm 104 must have understood my plight. Physical metaphors and comparisons are insufficient, though he really tries!

Praise the LORD, my soul.

   LORD my God, you are very great; 

   you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment; 

   he stretches out the heavens like a tent 

   and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. 

He makes the clouds his chariot 

   and rides on the wings of the wind. 

He makes winds his messengers,

   flames of fire his servants. 

(Psalm 104:1-4, NIV)

Today, all I could do was stand in the presence of the One who rides on the wings of the wind, feel his messengers brush my cheeks and ruffle my hair, and cry, "Glory!"

Beginnings

"For the beauty of the earth,

For the beauty of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise."

These words inspire the beginnings of this journey in word, combined with images that help tell the story of the wonderful, powerful, artistic, caring God we serve.  

King David felt awe and gratitude when he stated:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalm 19:1)

In the days to come, we will think together about why the beauty of the earth matters so much, especially to me and to others who are struggling through desert times or other difficulties.  if you have photos, I would be happy to share them here if you'll tell me what they have meant to you.  Until then, do me a favor - look up at the skies!  Look down at the small beauties many miss.  Look around at the faces of those made in God's image.  Imagine that they are sweet gifts from someone who loves you dearly.  And that is what they are.

Grace and peace,

Rendi