Be Watchful, Live Expectantly

The morning walk today was quite pleasant. Cool, sixties, dim blue skies with a wisp of clouds here and there. Haze in the distance presented the mountains in a blurred existence. Perhaps the presence of the sun and some air movement will clear things off shortly.

Today was my third day in a row to be at the creek in the morning. Down, down the water recedes after the rains less than a week ago. Each day is markedly different. Two days prior would have been a difficult trek to the island. Yesterday I adventurously shimmied across the protruding tree roots to gain access to the small beach head that had formed beyond one of my favorite trees.

Today, upon my arrival, stepping into the forest from the bright sun outside, the cool of the shade took my breath away. From my entrance above, looking across the panorama of the moving water, I made my way into the heavenly realm. Path beaten down from recent trips, the welcome mat was out, saying, “Come on in!”

I had arrived a bit earlier than the day before. No balancing act was required across the roots, as the water had lowered enough for easy access to the amphitheater. Arriving, my ears were bathed in the calming sounds of the water flow, quieter and softer than the prior two days. I hopped to a couple of small gravel bars, new islands that will be different even tomorrow.

The bright greens of moss and surrounding vegetation were vibrant from the recent moisture

I could remember the light show from yesterday, oh what a sight. It was mesmerizing to watch the light of the sun bouncing off of the waves in the creek, reflecting onto the bank across the water and transmitting to the underside of the tree leaves. As the leaves danced in the slight breeze, the bouncing sunbeams were creating a light show like no other.

That was yesterday. No light show today. Hmm. That puzzled me. Similar sun, creek flowing a bit slower but not that much. Couldn’t quite figure out why the lights were off today. Certainly not a power outage! But as I walked about praying, singing, time passing a bit, I looked across the way and sure enough, from my beach front location, the lights began to flicker, flicker, flicker. The sun had reached its alignment! I had arrived early at 8:45, but the show started at 9 am and I was early! That prompted me to stay a bit more, to soak in the sights a little while longer. Although my feet were itching to get wet, I decided to postpone my further wanderings across the creek until another day. The coolness of the water would have to wait.

Timing is so key. In many of life’s journeys, we tend to rush things, to orchestrate the events we think our heart desires. We show up, buttery popcorn at our fingertips, but then walk away with little more excitement than our belly stuffed with corn and hulls in our teeth. The thing is, God designed us for newness, not reruns. Yes, we may experience a wonderful repeat from time to time, but God loves to show up in all His glory, surprising us along life’s journey.

Be watchful. Live expectantly. God has a fresh, new light show for you every day.

All you have to do is be ready and show up, waiting and watching.