Look beyond the clouds

A few years ago I was traveling to North Caroline with a good friend, and as I walked out of my house, I realized it was one of those typical, July mornings, in Austin, Texas – hot and overcast. The sun wasn’t shining and I knew it wasn’t going to rain; it was simply gray and humid. I didn’t think much of, it because I was thrilled about my coming adventure.

We finally arrived at the airport, checked bags, and boarded the plane.  We couldn't wait to get this journey started! The sky was still overcast as the plane lifted off. We began to talk about the next few days, when all of a sudden the plane broke through the clouds, and there hung the sun, just as bright and glorious as it is everyday. That moment reminded me of a short story I once read:

A little boy came home from school on a cloudy day, and his mother asked about his day. ‘It was not a good day today; it was very dark’ the boy answered.  He went on to say, ‘The sun never came out’.  His mother looked him in the eye and answered with great wisdom, ‘Son, the sun did come out. The sun always comes out. You just didn’t see it. You must learn, my son, to see beyond the clouds.'

This brief narrative has proven priceless, through the various courses I have taken on my life journey.  I am consistently reminded that God is eternally present. In the difficult times, and when things are quite well, He is there.  He is always with us.

Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”