I Can See Clearly Now

2 Samuel 23:4 And [he shall be] as the light of the morning, [when] the sun riseth, [even] a morning without clouds; [as] the tender grass [springing] out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

It is good to serve the Lord, I once heard Darlene Bishop say. And I wholeheartedly agree. He had given me a great deal to praise and bless Him for. He has rained down His blessings and also used the rain to increase my faith. His sun shines so brightly that it warms and brightens, yet it can sometimes burn if I am not careful.

On the heels of a fabulous Mother's Day Banquet, I took a vacations to attend my cousin's wedding in Atlanta, GA. This was my opportunity to celebrate and rejoice with those who are rejoicing, just as the Bible tells us to do. This was a celebration of family and life renewed. I am truly happy to see that the Lord has blessed them both with some very extraordinary people, who both have a heart for the Lord and love each other so much. This wedding was a wonderful addition to my vacation and it was so refreshing to take a break from my daily schedule and just put my feet up. I was expecting to be in "Hotlanta" but the weather was not so exciting.

This however was no ordinary trip. I have made some connections with voices that I had heard only on the phone and people with whom I had come to love and adore through our emails. I made some new friends and exchanged numbers because we are all now family, no matter how we happen to be related. I visited my cousin's church and it was very similar to my own. I could definitely feel the love in there and most of all I felt at home. I kept saying that this was one of the best vacations that I had ever taken.

Even though it rained two of the 6 days we were there, the Son was shining through the people that I met and the experiences I had. The cloudy feeling that was creeping over me had begun to dissipate. I could see all of the obstacles in my way. 1. being doubt and fear, 2. being me. Once I got past those two major hurdles, I was good.

Although this song may have been written secularly, the words are so appropriate to me. This song just randomly jumped in my head today but it fit for me. As the song says the when the son is shining we can see clearly. We are hopeful of what is ahead. Human nature teaches us that there is safety in the light, that is why we don't skip down dark alleys in the dead of night but stick to the lighted streets even when we are assured that there is a short cut. Any obstacles are seen before they are reached and we can deal with the pain if we fall because we can see the scars and deal with them. We even expect a rainbow at the end of the rain.

I appreciate the Son because it helps me to grow and right now I am soaking up every ray that falls upon me. I want to feel His warmth shining upon me and see the rays directing my path. I am glad that He listens to me in those out loud conversations that we have. And I am glad that He is the author and finisher of my faith because with that He adds His peace like fertilizer to help me grow even stronger.

I can see clearly now! Even though rain is needed to help me get the nutrients I need to grow, I sure enjoy the (Miracle Grow) that Jesus adds to my life. I enjoy basking in the Son because I know He is cultivating me and helping to purge those things in my life that will stunt my growth. It is just something about basking in the warmth of Him.

This vacation was more than a week of rest. It was a time of reflection, refreshing and revelation. I thank the Lord that this opportunity came not just for me but for a couple starting out together, a family who is so glad that we have them both, a community that is family and a city that is alive with possibilities even when it rains for two days straight.

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,

I can see all obstacles in my way.

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone

All of the bad feelings have disappeared

Here is the rainbow I’ve been praying for

It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day.

Keep Walking,

MiVida es de Oro!

My Life is Golden!

Shoes by Jessica Bennett ~ Women's Heart