Making Room for Sunshine

In the wake of a big storm at Camp Mardela in mid July, as I was processing the overwhelming emotions of destruction, frustration, and hopelessness, in the stillness of the aftermath, I found peace, and I hope this peace can be an encouragement to others.

Making room for sunshine

Is not an easy task

In the overgrown garden of the mind - it requires uprooting

In the dense forest of the heart - it requires trees to topple

In the fluorescent light of a home - it requires wires to be cut

Many barriers get built

Between us and the sun

Getting distracted by surroundings

We forget to look up

Not all plants are meant to stay rooted - so remove the weeds

Not all trees are meant to stay standing - so let the trees fall

Not all lights deserve to keep shining - so turn off the lights

To see the one true light

Sometimes

It's only after the dust settles

And we survey the awesome power of God

The one who gives life and has the power to take it away

The universe and all of existence is in His hands

And at the end of it all

My hope lies in His hands alone

To miss the forest for the trees

Would be a travesty

For there is no greater majesty

Than the God who stirs the winds and seas

In the rubble

There is still hope

There is still love and joy

Music and laughter still dance together

At the dawn of each day

And God still reigns

Tragedy is not always punishment

Destruction is not always discipline

Sometimes

It's just a reminder

To make room for sunshine