The Positive Side

Sometimes when Dan and I go for a sunset walk, we know that we’re unlikely to see a pretty sunset.  It may be an overcast cloudy day, or the skies are just gray and misty looking.  Sometimes there is a large bank of clouds blanketing the horizon, so you know that the sun is unlikely to make an appearance.

That doesn’t stop us from walking, feeling the breeze on our skin, enjoying the sound of the waves, and breathing in the fresh salt air.  It is therapeutic to walk out in nature, to absorb the beauty of God’s creation.  Occasionally we’ll feel the need to quicken our pace, to hurry and try to “beat” an approaching rain shower.

We usually make it home long before the rain hits.  Once in a while we are treated to a little shower when we have gotten too far from the park entrance and can’t make it back in time.  Sometimes we’re pleasantly surprised when the sun peeks out or drops below  a bank of clouds and we actually get to see the sun set.

When the world seems to be swirling around you, and you feel a bit overwhelmed, where do you turn?  Are you grounded in your faith?  Do you know, honestly know and trust that it will all be ok because God really is in control?  It can be hard to do, because we like being in control, feeling like we have power over our world.  And we do, because of free will.  We choose the paths we take and are responsible for the consequences of our actions.  That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have faith, and trust and lean on God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, to help and guide us.  It’s more that when we feel overwhelmed that we do turn to God as our first line of help and support.

It can seem easier to turn toward the world, to hear that it’s not our fault, to “drown our sorrows” in unhealthy ways, be they alcohol, drugs, bad and dependent relationships, or whatever other source of fleeting pleasure, yet long-term sorrow or pain that we burden ourselves with.  Know that you can always change.  You can always open your heart, and let God in.  There is always room for healing, for forgiveness, for moving forward into the light.  You can let go of the burdens that you’ve been trying to carry on your own.  They really do become lighter when they are shared.

Open your heart, listen, and pray.  Look for the light and the beautiful sunsets.  God is always there, always waiting and calling out for you.