The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty. Let all the world rejoice!

As if overnight the weather has changed. Mornings are quite cool. It’s been barely 40 in my part of the world so I’ve dug out long sleeved shirts and grudgingly put on warmer pants in the morning. By mid afternoon, it warms up and I’m back to shorts and sandals. I am not yet ready to give up my flip flops – and summer – even if my toes shiver.

Thankfully, the smoke shrouding the area is gone. Last week’s thunder storms brought needed rain and wind which blew away the lingering, unhealthy pall. Local fires seem to be under control now and I am thankful that New Meadows and areas between here and Riggins have been spared. I know some of my neighbors were worried and praying for safety. Isn’t it a testimony that the God who ordains fire and rain on all, both believers and rebels, hears us? It makes sense only to those whose hearts are captivated by the Father. Our anxiety’s been settled, the prayer’s been answered. Now let’s not forget to say thank you for favor.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6

The splendid morning sun shows off again on the mountains. I didn’t realize how much I missed clouds tinged by the dawn and sunsets setting the western horizon on evening fire. The smoke from all the fires literally obscured the surrounding beauty I’d become used to and I got pretty grumpy. I came to two conclusions. One. I complain a lot about the weather and allow that to affect my attitude about my day. It may be human nature to fuss about today’s weather, but why become a curmudgeon? After all, there’s nothing to be done about it except admit lack of control and look to the One who is in charge.

Secondly, I’ve taken things very much for granted. For over twenty years God has been blessing Dan and me to live here amid beauty, in safety. In the beginning I could hardly breathe when I woke up and looked outside. I was new to the Lord and He opened my eyes as well as my heart. Grace and mercy flowed. Hummingbirds hovered by the windows, flowers were imprinted with design and I had a garden to nurture. Over the years initial joy turned to complacency. Some days I forget to breathe at all because I’m in such a hurry to be elsewhere. When I lived in New York, it was only my visiting European relatives who were thrilled to see all the sights, not those people who actually lived in the city. I wonder. When did the Statue of Liberty become just a statue? When did we quit oohing and ahing at the amazing things around us?

Can it be the Father just wants us to be tourists with Him and Jesus? I believe there are treasures and hidden wonders all around which we will not fully see, hear or understand until God takes us home. I also believe the Lord doesn’t keep all His splendid gifts in the dark, but gives us a foretaste right now, revealing “the sights” in His kingdom.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1. Cor 2:9

This summer’s changed my perspective. I relearned to appreciate God’s abundance everywhere, in both smoke and sunshine. And so I pray. Father, forgive my complacency and grumbling. Forgive me for taking Your Name for granted. Count me in for the sightseeing bus and make me a kingdom tourist again. See! The hummingbirds are still hanging around on summer’s edge!