Sunrise
January 4, 2008
By Paul Veliquette
It is still somewhat quiet outside, just the sound of the
train whistle in the distance, early morning commuters on the road, delivery
trucks bringing fresh bread and produce to the market and the early risers
showing up for the first cup of the day. It is still dark outside with just a
faint glow slowly appearing in the eastern sky.
I was awakened early this morning with thoughts racing through
my mind as I contemplate possibilities for the future. It was a hopeless task
to try and settle into sleep again, so I headed for Starbucks. It is my
connecting place in the neighborhood where I meet people who someday I am
convinced will be followers of Christ. It is a place of endless conversations
and good coffee.
The following thoughts come to mind as the sun emerges in
the east.
1. The sun always comes up. It reminds me of the
faithfulness of God. He shows up to bring light and life to dark situations.
Life's surprises can be painful, piercing deeply into the very fabric of who we
are and our relationships. Things happen that should have never happened, words
are spoken that bring hurt. But in the midst of it all, it is a new day! God
continues to bring healing and hope. God is in control. The best is yet to
come. "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in
it" (Psalm 118:24, NIV).
2. The sun illuminates and reveals. Darkness is dangerous;
light brings safety. Openness, vulnerability and integrity are important values
to me. I avoid secrets, hidden agendas or sinister motives. What you see is
what you get! God relates to us in truth and light. "Send forth your light
and your truth, let them guide me" (Psalm 43:3).
3. The sun promotes new life. Each spring flower emerges
from their wintry tomb, stretching their stocks and then flowery heads toward
the sun that gives warmth and light. If you have been blessed by Christ's love
in your life, look around you. How many people are just waiting for the warmth
and life-giving rays of the Son so that they might burst forth from the tomb of
unbelief? Your faith is a reflection of the Son. You have the great joy and
responsibility of sharing light with those who walk in darkness. "Freely
you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8).
Today is a new day! Seize the God moments and make a
difference today!
-- Paul Veliquette is pastor of Windsor (Colo.) Assembly of God.
