The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

I’ve had my head in the clouds! For months the winter cloud formations have been spectacular. Every morning I attempt to write an apt description of the cloud covers but am stymied. Sometimes when the clouds move over the valley, the sky seems too small to contain them and so they overflow until impaled on craggy mountain peaks. Sometimes they mass together as if in a giant mixing bowl before another storm approaches. Constantly in motion, shifting and shaping, they’re filled with light and shadow, sometimes dark as lead, other times luminescent as a string of pearls. Clouds tug at our souls to look up into the heavens beyond, seeking things of the spirit for which there are no words.

As children we once imagined shapes and images forming in summer clouds. Listen to a young child exclaim excitedly, “There’s a whale and a boat. Look! That one’s got a nose like my Opa. And that one? It’s a castle with a long staircase and a duck.” Poets use metaphors and similes to write. A cloud is like… (fill in the blank) Often as the clouds roll slowly from east to west or north to south, I’m reminded of flocks of sheep pastured in the sky, breaking free to roam. I see colors (grey, white, darkening, filtered) and shapes (puffy, fluffy, soft), changing second. But then at some point, I’m frustrated because words fail to capture the full magnificent sight above my head. It’s like cupping sea water or wind in my hands.

Certainly clouds have size, shape, texture and color. Scientists might describe altitude, gases, volume, atmospheric conditions. Google “clouds” and an overload of information pops up in five seconds. However, Information doesn’t make me catch my breath on a cloud filled morning. Facts and figures do not fill me awe.

And so I wonder. If my very best attempts with words can’t do poetic justice to earth’s clouds on a winter day, what will I be able to say when finally I stand in the presence of the Creator of the universe ? When Jesus returns at the end of this age, the Bible says
“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Mark 13:26

Jesus promises we will recognize Him by this sign, in “clouds and glory.” I am speechless already. Then, when we stand before the One called Messiah, King of Glory, Lord of Hosts, Almighty God, all language as we know it may cease because no human words will suffice. Every tongue will fail before the perfect Word. Doesn’t that make one tremble in awe and spectacular dread? I can’t wait to find out.