Clear Night Skies

Last week I went camping with a bunch of families in Outer Banks, North Carolina. It was a blast! We endured swarms of mosquitoes, gallons of bugspray, sandy & wet tents, many fish (and huge stingrays), hardcore sunburn (well, I did anyway), and loud voices early in the morning when you are trying to sleep. It wouldn't have been camping without all these things. I enjoyed the long days out on the beach, the long walks to 'the point' (where all the waves from both sides of the beach came crashing together), the many wasted water bottles, the cool showers, the fantastic sunsets and bonfires out on the beach, and most of all...the beautiful dark sky every night. Almost every night we were there, I spent my time out on the campus playground, laying on my back, staring at the stars. I had never seen clearer nights before. And believe it or not, if you take enough time to stare at the sky during the night, you will see more shooting stars than you probably have ever seen in your lifetime. In the silence of the camp site and the brightness of the stars...I couldn't help but take advantage of it. I lie in wonder of it all, very curious as to how we can sleep under such a marvelous creation every night, yet never notice it. Later I wrote this to express my feelings on those amazing evenings, and so I could remember my amazing experiences under the stars that week...

The vast complexities of the sky overwhelm my every part. It's so simple, yet I am so unaware. Unaware of its complete beauty. Unaware of its incredible greatness. Unaware that no matter how much I contemplate it all, I will never be able to fully comprehend, describe, or contain any of it, completely. I stare in wonder, never fully realizing the power of your presence with all the distractions around me, I never thought my mind could be so still; my heart so calm. As much as my mind seemed to desire other things in that moment, my heart was focused on your truth, your promises, and your control in my life. How could I forget your plan for me?...the love that you so deeply express to me? As my heart yearned for other things...my focus shifted quickly as you reminded me of your special plan for my life. All of a sudden those things didn't matter anymore--I only yearned for you. In that moment I knew I needed your help and I needed you, but more importantly I wanted all that you had to offer. Lying there under those stars reminded me of your amazing power to change things. That evening sky reassured my trust in someone great. The soft, fresh smell of the air filled me up and gave me a new hope. The gentle, soft breeze reassured me of your unending comfort and love in all my circumstances. The silence of the night gave me peace and a calmness in my heart and my thoughts. The firm wood which I laid upon kept me secure and gave me strength to endure it all. And that amazing sparkle shooting across the dark night sky reminded me of my God's beauty, glory, and holiness. And with that I knew it was worth it...that the King of the universe was with me in that moment and He wasn't going to leave me. With every aspect of His glory revealed to me that very night, I knew I had the greatest treasure of all. And I was going to trust in that and hold it close. Confusion, brokenness, bitterness, anger... in the midst of it all, I will trust. Trust that your plan is bigger, better, and worth more than anything I could ever imagine.