This past summer we were able to visit family who had rented a beach house. I absolutely love to look at and listen to the sounds of the ocean. One of the things I was looking forward to, was watching the sunrise and the sunset over the water. I packed my fancy camera and lenses, and was eager to get the “perfect” photo of our girls with the breathtaking sunset in the background! When we arrived to the area, the weather was warm, but so cloudy and gloomy. I got up early to walk on the beach to take pictures and look for seashells. Much to my disappointment, the spectacular sight I was anticipating, simply wasn’t there. The sky was filled with “grumpy” looking clouds and not one single shell! The water was “yucky” looking and was filled with seaweed and so much gunk. I had expected crystal clear water that I could dip my toes in while still being able to make sure no SHARKS would bite my toes off! :) The sunset was much the same way – no sun to be seen! On the last day of our trip, a huge storm rolled in. You could see it coming in the distance. The lightning in the clouds could be seen so far off, and you could even see the rain pouring on the ocean in the distance.

We watched from the deck of the house until the storm got a little too close for comfort, then retreated inside. It was a night filled with thunder, lightning and lots of rain, but we were warm and safe inside the house. The next morning, I didn’t get up early to go out and get my sunrise shot, since I knew it wouldn’t be there. Instead, slept in a bit until my daughter came in, begging to go out to the water. She pulled back the curtain, and WOOSH, there it was! The SUNLIGHT I had been wishing for! The storm had come and gone and left the most spectacular sight I’ve ever seen! Even now, it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! I jumped out of bed, quickly grabbed the camera and we ran to the water! Oh what a time we had! The water was so clean and clear, you could walk around and see straight to the bottom! And as for shells? Too many to count! We even found full size silver dollars, which I’ve only ever seen in the store! The sunshine made the water glisten and shine like I never knew possible. To be honest, the camera just couldn’t capture the sight I was seeing, but those images are forever etched in my mind. I couldn’t help but think of the song, “Till the Storm Passes By.” Life can get so dark and gloomy and yes, even be filled with “gunk” at times, yet, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us so deeply and helps us through each “storm” so that we can have something truly spectacular on the other side. I love the verses in Psalm 91 that remind me that, much like the house kept us safe and warm that night, Jesus is my refuge in the storms of life. I can stay snuggled in his wings, safe and warm. And, just like on that day this summer, Joy truly does come in the morning! (Ps 30:5)

As I get older, I can see that there are stormy times, but there are also times of sunshine!

If things in your life right now are dark and gloomy, just keep pressing on, right through that storm, because on the other side, is beautiful sunshine!