Anticipation

I have always been fascinated by clouds. 

I was one of those kids who laid in the grass, looking at the sky, seeing pictures in the clouds. 

I was amazed, when in science class, I learned that clouds had names.

Cirrus, Cumulus, Nimbus and Stratus. Even their names emanate a certain heavenly aura about them. 

Often clouds evoked feelings to me. When they were light and airy like cotton candy, they were happy. When they were dark; foreboding. When they were storms rolling in; scary.

I have never been a fan of storm clouds. That is one time you will not find me standing outside looking to the sky. When they appear, I take cover! 

I remember when, one nice sunny day, driving down a two lane highway, up ahead I could see a line of clouds. You know, the actual line on the road where the light changes to dark. 

I knew it meant rain was up ahead. 

Which brought with it a feeling of anticipation. 

Anticipation of the change that was to come. 

I didn’t know how hard or easy the rain would be. I just knew it was there. I knew I would soon be entering the darkness. 

I was anticipating when I would need to turn on the windshield wipes. I could feel my body become a little more tense. More alert. More prepared. 

As I drove through the rain, my focus was on the darkness and how hard the rain was coming down. How my windshield wipers cleared my vision for a moment. I was focused on the road directly ahead of me. Alert to oncoming cars. Absorbed in the darkness around me. 

I was oblivious to the next line in the road up ahead. 

The line where the rain stops and the sun is shining. 

For me, I see my life like this sometimes. 

When I am in the darkness, it is where my focus is. It takes great effort, effort beyond my own, to lift my eyes off the road in front of me and look for the line of light. 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)

It is God’s word of truth that brings comfort. Even in our darkest moments we will not be consumed. We are loved by God, by His great love. His compassion on us will never fail. It is that assurance that gives us hope. Hope to lift our eyes off the darkness and up to the light ahead. 

That light is always there for us. Even when we are in the middle of darkness. 

As this truth sinks in, I can see the sun up ahead again. I can see the line on the highway where the darkness stops and the light begins. Where the road is dry. I feel a sense of relief. An ease floats over my body that the rain is going to end soon. Peace. Even before I am out of the darkness

We are in that time as well. That time of anticipation where our stay-in-place order is being lifted. We can see the light ahead, when we can be with family and friends again. We do not know exactly when, but we do know we will be there. When we can gather in church and have celebrations. We know it will be different. But we anticipate the ease of tension, the release of being in the darkness and moving freely again in the light. 

I know there will be times of darkness again, but the Lord has promised. “….In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV. 

Dear Lord, thank you for your great love. For your compassion that never fails. Help me when I am focused on the darkness. Help Me to have the strength to lift my eyes to the light. Fill me with hope and peace, that is found only in you.  Remind me of your promises and your mighty power. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.