Sunrise Waits for No Man

Deuteronomy 10:14
To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.

Recently, my husband, Danny, and I spend a much needed five days in the Nantahala Mountains of North Carolina.  It is unusual for us to spend our holiday in the same cabin twice, but the view from Time Flies is so spectacular, we wish to repeat the experience.  Although the weather predictions tell us we can't expect clear skies every day, we look forward to this time of rest and renewal, content to enjoy our vacation come what may.

On our first full day at the cabin, the rain sets in.  Clouds and mist envelope the mountains, rendering them invisible.  We are even subject to the occasional lightening flash and thunderclap.  

No matter!  We read, play backgammon, watch two movies, eat, drink, and stay merry.  Once the rain passes, the temperatures are supposed to plunge, welcoming a blanket of snow we are promised to see the next day.  We are so hoping!

As the rain diminishes and the sky clears, Danny takes some stunning shots of the fleeing cloud rolling east over the mountains.

The next morning, we are greeted by these beautiful sights!

It snows on and off the entire day.  And, my!  How the wind howls through the barren branches of the trees on the ridge.  We can't begin to imagine what it would sound like if it were summer and all the leaves were out!

And, of course, no view of the mountains.  Who cares?  This is the first and only snow we've seen all winter, and we welcome it with joy!

Day three dawns, but the sunrise is obscured by thick fog.

Fortunately, this clears up later in the day.  The sun shines.  The snow begins to melt.  And, the stars that night?  Their glory and grandeur defies description . . .

It is day four.  Knowing that the day should be clear with the promise of a brilliant sunrise, Danny wakes early.  He starts the coffee and readies his camera equipment.  Hearing him stirring, I rouse myself, too.  I don't want to miss this sunrise, either!

Then, just moments before the sun is to debut above the mountainous horizon, this -

A pea-soup, impenetrable fog emerges out of nowhere.  No clear sunrise photos today.  But, God gives us a consolation prize . . .

Hoarfrost covers the deck and bushes with delicate, fairy-like crystals.  Oh, how God's hand is at work even in the smallest of things!

Day five.  The day of departure.  Danny's last chance to capture a sunrise.

Once again, we both wake up early.  I brew the coffee while Danny struggles with replacing a camera battery and battling the tripod onto which the camera has mysteriously chosen to cement itself.  Frustrated?  You bet!  Time flies, and the sunrise waits for no man!

After what seems like an eternity, Danny manages to dislodge the camera and exit with it to the deck to watch and wait.  Hands freezing, warmed only by the occasional cradling of the steaming coffee cup or brief visits to his coat pockets, he watches.  Waits patiently, gratefully, for the show to begin . . .

No disappointments here.  We are overwhelmed by the glory which is God's.

Where have you been when God's glory overwhelmed you?

Will you pray with me?

How majestic, Father, is Your name in all the earth!  Your creation testifies to Your glory, Your power, and Your grace.  May we each take time today to meditate upon Your works and give You thanks and praise.  Amen.