Friday, March 15, 2013

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.

23 comments:

  1. What lovely pictures here, Martha. Absolutely stunning. I'm sure you had a lovely time enjoying all these different sights of his handiwork.

    Lots of love and joy to you.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Susan; so glad you enjoyed the photos!
      We did, indeed, have a marvelous time.
      Love and blessings to you!

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  2. spectacular... being in the mountains and feeling the mountain air brings me serenity and peace. Such lovely moments captured --for many years I went on a womens retreat and we always chose to stay in a cabin in the mountains; oh how I miss those times.

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    1. The mountains are my favorite place to go, too, Amy. You are so right - the serenity and peace one can feel there is like no other.
      Thanks so much for visiting!
      Blessings and love!

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  3. Oh my. Well, I would say I was reading your blog and looking at your photos when I was overwhelmed by God's glory!

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    1. Oh, Galen, you are too kind! I will be sure to let Danny know how inspirational his photos are.
      Thanks so much for coming by!
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Divine photos Martha! We need to spend more time observing the beauty of the world around us and the magnificence of God in it.

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting! Yes, we all need to take time and notice this beautiful world around us.
      Blessings to you!

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  5. these photo's are truly inspirational and your words peaceful to a weary soul. Thank you for your thoughts and for sharing with others your deep faith.

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  6. these photo's are truly inspirational and your words peaceful to a weary soul. Thank you for your thoughts and for sharing with others your deep faith.

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    1. Thanks for coming by today, Chliri, and welcome to the blog!
      I'm so blessed to be able to share my faith through Meditations of My Heart. God is so very good!
      Blessings to you!

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  7. Gorgeous photos! Sunrise is actually my favorite time of the day AND my most productive. I get most everything done in the morning. It doesn't actually have to be a sunrise though. As you've shown us a fogrise or cloudrise can be equally breath-taking.

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Lynne!
      I love the mornings, too, for getting things done.
      So glad you enjoyed the photos - I'll be sure to let Danny know.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Wonderful! Bravo! I have photographed many a sunrise and I understand the excitement and anticipation Danny must have felt with that beautiful 'frame' awaiting the perfect moment! I'm experiencing relaxation, wonder, excitement and love vicariously through your shared experience! Thank you!

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    1. Thanks so much for dropping by, Linda!
      As a photographer, I know you can definitely relate to Danny's excitement regarding the sunrise. So glad these photos were a source of enjoyment for you, my friend.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Wow Martha, from your words to the photos, this sounds like a perfect vacation! Thank God for the person who invented the camera, we are able to capture God's magnificent creations, and share it with others! :-)

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    1. Oh, I agree - let's all thank the Lord for the gift of a camera! So wonderful for memories and for sharing.
      Always love your photos, Irene. :)
      Thanks so much for visiting!
      Blessings and love!

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  10. how could anyone doubt?!
    sounds like a fabulous time with your husband..good for you two!

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    1. Yes, we had a marvelous time, Annmarie! Thanks so much for visiting. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  11. Beautiful pictures. Sounds like you had an awesome time.

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    1. Suzy, I'll be sure to let Danny know that you loved the photos. And, yes, we had a super time!
      Thanks for stopping by!
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Oh I'm taken by the images you just shared...they are awesome!
    They take my breath away...

    I remember in my Ignatian retreat several years ago, we were told by the retreat master to wait for the sunrise on Easter Sunday...It is Jesus' rising from the dead... and it has stuck in my mind esp. when I saw your images.

    I love the mountains, the snow, the cloud and every single detail I could see in your pics. Thank you for sharing God's glory.

    I pray with you and lots of love!

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the photos, Melissa; how cool to think of sunrise as the image of our Lord rising from the dead - I love this!
      Yes, the mountains are our favorite place to visit. The vistas are ever-changing yet ever-gorgeous. I already want to go back!
      Thanks for coming by and sharing, as always and faithfully, in prayer with me.
      Love and blessings!

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