For a Moment – Devotion 42

This morning’s view was spectacular.  I wasn’t at a popular vacation destination.  I didn’t wake up in a new town or new venue.  I didn’t hear the sounds of waves crashing.  It was a quiet, rural road I have traveled many times.  It was an ordinary morning.  But for a moment, the view was remarkable.  It was a painted sky that was pulled together by traveling clouds on a windy morning topped by a slowly rising sun.  This time I was paying attention and I caught it.  I am sure I have missed similar on many occasions.  But today, I caught it and it was beautiful.

I find that when I see views painted in the sky, my best option is to stop.  When I stop, I can take it all in.  I can allow the Artist to speak to me from his work.  I don’t need to do anything else, just stop.  Since photography is not my gift, it is never helpful for me to try and capture the painting in a snapshot.  It ends up looking like trees, skies and clouds.  And later I wonder why I took such a picture.  Instead of pulling out my phone to take the picture, I am better able to absorb the message when I stop.  It is unique and it was meant for that time and that place.  I can see the magnificence when I accept that it is only for right this moment.  It is better than trying to hold on to something that will soon pass.

Life is like that.  We are given what seems like small fleeting moments that are really changing and shaping our lives.  We see milestones and we want to capture them.  We want them to last forever.  But they are given to us for just a moment – and wow is that moment life changing.  We want to hold on to people, times, events, experiences…we want them to last longer.  God has given them to us for right this moment, though.  So instead of wishing they would last forever, why not just stop…and allow the magnificence of this moment to wash over you?  Why not just enjoy this moment as if it may never come again?  We just might find ourselves extremely thankful for this day…moment by moment.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 46:9-11

⁹ He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery