Stuck in the Middle – Devotion 192 – SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY

One more time, I had to learn a lesson. It wasn’t what I wanted. It wasn’t what I had hoped for. But here I was and it wasn’t changing. So with a huge sigh and a reluctant pace, I slipped on my shoes and headed out the door.

I had slept in an extra hour this morning. I don’t know what I was thinking but I just knew that meant it would be light outside. I wouldn’t have to carry the flashlight. I could change the gear to bright gear rather than just reflective for night time. I got up, put on my running clothes, and found myself a bit giddy about it all. Then I walked in the living room and there it was – the darkness. I looked out my window and noticed that apparently I had no idea when the sun actually did rise (not that it matters since we are getting ready to have another time change – ugh). One more time, I put on my reflective gear, grabbed my flashlight and headed out the door. It wouldn’t stop me, it just wasn’t what I was hoping for.

The beauty of the morning is the moon was full, bright and amazingly wondrous. It wasn’t quite as dark as it seemed with the light of the moon flooding the sleepy earth. So there was this positive note waking me. As I was further into my morning run/walk, I noticed the sun was coming up – it was just a slight hue, but it was definitely on its way. It was a gently reminder that the day would begin, just hang on. And then it happened. I looked up and noticed – the moon was big and bright and beautiful on my right. The sun was peeking out with a brilliant orange on my left. I had the best of it all, right outside my home. I wouldn’t have seen the moon and watched a sunrise if I had my way. I was just looking for light. This was more amazing than any light I could have asked. And I got exactly what I needed, not what I asked for.

That seems to be the best way to me. I have in my mind what I want, but I should instead focus on what I have been given. If I lift my head, I might just find that I am enveloped in a sea of goodness. If I put my ideas of how things should be aside, I might see God has made so much better.

What do you need to let go of to see the best around you? Pick your head up – the moon is to your right, the sunrise to your left, and you are stuck in the middle – and that may be just where you need to be. Enjoy the goodness surrounding you today.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 66:1-4

¹Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
²    sing the glory of his name;
    give to him glorious praise.
³Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
    Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.
⁴All the earth worships you;
    they sing praises to you,
    sing praises to your name.”