Wishing for a Cloud – Devotion 19

It seems odd to wish for a cloud.  Most wish for sunshine.  The sunshine is refreshing and full of vitamins to get you moving.  Sunshine helps plants to grow and generally helps to put a smile on our face.  It lifts our spirits and soothes our soul.  Everything seems a little better when the sun shines bright.  So why would anyone wish for a cloud?

I find myself sitting outside today soaking up the sunshine as I work.  It is a beautiful day that I am most grateful to enjoy.  I cannot complain, except that when the sun is shining directly on me, it is hot.  So here I am, wishing for a cloud.  I don’t need a big cloud, just a momentary break from the sun.  I gaze into the sky, eyes half open, trying to find when the next cloud might roll by.  I squint at the brightness but get excited at the prospect.  When it happens, that small cloud floating by, it brings a sweet breeze that fills my lungs and offers a brief but valuable reprieve.  I guess I am grateful for both, then.  I wouldn’t know how powerful and important the sun was with having days full of rays.  I also wouldn’t know the relief of a cloud either.

Today, I am simply grateful.  I am grateful for the day that God has given.  I am grateful for the sun, the clouds, and if he decides, any rain that may fall.  I am grateful for the beauty of the earth, the sun by day and the moon by night.  I am grateful.  May your day be filled with lots of sunshine…and a few small clouds.  May you find joy in the gratitude of this day.  May God smile on you with his rays.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
² My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴ He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
⁸ The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.