Waking Up to a Wonderful World

I awoke early this morning and I laid quietly looking out the big windows into the forest beyond. In the pre-dawn light, all I could see were the gray outlines of the trees. This colorless world was so very still. Other than the soft sounds of Margo's breathing beside me, everything was so silent. It was almost a sacred feeling -- sort of like when you walk into a giant cathedral all alone, and the architecture and stone and stained glass makes it feel silent and holy.

Then I noticed that the world was not as still as it seemed. In the sky beyond the trees, I could see clouds gently moving and stirring and changing shape. I was reminded of Jesus' words in John 3 about the wind blowing wherever it wants. We can hear the wind. We can see its effects on the world it touches, but we can't see the wind itself. As I lay there in that stillness of the early morning, the sky above me was alive with the power of the wind pushing the clouds along. In the same way, as I lay there all night, God's Spirit surrounded me and engulfed the entire world, stirring in lives and hearts and circumstances in his passionate quest to draw all men to himself. What is it the prophet said? "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!" (Lamenations 3:22-23)

Before long, the light of sunrise began creeping over the treeline and the powdery gray sky began to glow. The slate-shaded trees were flushed with green and gold as color returned to the world. Light pierced the darkness; in fact, as I looked out the window, there was a moment when I had to blink away because the sunlight was so bright. It was beautiful and quiet and powerful and alive and hushed all at once.

This is the wonder of our Creator, and this is the awesome adventure to which we are called. The Lord unleashes his kingdom upon this world. His light pierces through the darkness, bringing color and new life to a dark world. His power is always at work all around us, even when we sleep. And we have the honor of watching him at work. His kingdom is not established by my own efforts any more than the sunrise required me to stir from my bed. But what a privilege to be caught up in his glory, to have his power flow in us and through us an all around us, to become a tool in his hands as he brings light to a dark world. It's like being swept up from our sleep into the glowing sky and swirling winds and suddenly becoming part of the sunrise.

I can't imagine any better reason to get out of bed and begin a new day than to become a part of what God is doing. Lord, give me eyes to see beyond the daily routines of this life. Let me feel the warmth of your growing power in my life and all around me. Shine through me. Light up the world wherever I go. May your Breath fill me in that constant sacred rhythm -- breathing in deeply of your Spirit and breathing out your voice, your words, your love.