Now we see in part...

There are just things in life that we can't do justice to.

Like a sunset.

I saw one the other night that was this blazing display of power and beauty that nearly took my breath away.
My hand instinctively went to the camera that was conveniently at my side. But it stopped short of feeling the familiar weave of the strap.

I thought about shutter speeds and tripods. I briefly tried to throw together a plan to freeze this awe inspiring sight in a tangible form.

I looked at Dave. He shook his head. "You won't do it justice. I've tried before". So I took his hand instead and we just watched as the fiery dusk turned to a murky dark.

We have some photos of decent depictions of sunrises and sunsets. Dave particularly does well at scenic shots such as these. But we know, even as we look at them, that these images fall short of the real thing.


I've been thinking alot about that lately.

As I am faced with the beauty and pain of this world, this fallen world, I just think of what a poor rendition what we see is compared to "the real thing". The world God intended this to be. The world it will be again.

Those moments of pure, unadulterated sweetness on this earth - they are nothing compared to all of the good that is in store for us! That's hard for me to fathom.

I think of that little gazebo in Iowa when Dave got down on his knee and asked me to enter into this life with him forever. My heart had never known that feeling. Being pursued, really wanted. It was new and exhilerating and exciting. I felt so valued and saught after.


I think of the breathless adrenaline filled moments of meeting tiny people who God has gifted us with. Our children coming into the world.

Watching a sunset.

Connecting on a deep level with a dear friend.

Breathing in the scent of sweet roses on a summer day - sunshine spilling over our shoulders like a warm hug.

All of these things, as lovely as they may be, are just like holding a simple print of a sunset instead of beholding its authentic beauty in person.


And then there's the pain... Well, it stings and it shakes us.

It's hard to take.

Yet I feel God leading me to scripture verses that continually show me that this is not home. It's as if he is telling me, "Oh how I wish you could see the bigger picture. Trust me; this is such a little dot in the time line of eternity. Hang in there - stay solid and grounded in me.

                                                                            Just wait till you see the real thing! It'll be worth it."