The difference a day makes.....

 Ken and I could not believe the difference a day makes.  This was the beach view today.  At one point Ken and I were the only ones for a long stretch of beach.  And Ken commented that it was a bit eerie being in the water alone.  You were sort of taking your life in your hands yesterday in the surf - between the surfers (most of whom were on rental boards) and the boogie boards, you had to watch out for all the activity AND the waves!  Yesterday the beach was PACKED!  As a matter of fact, we don't think we have ever seen it as crowded as it was yesterday.  Part of the reason is that there was a big sand volleyball tournament right on the property that we stayed at.  Not only was the beach full, but so was the parking lot.  We couldn't find a place to park on Saturday night when we came back from dinner.  It was crazy.  This morning when we went out there were only about 12 cars in the entire parking lot.  Apparently everyone left after the live music ended at some time last night.  We really don't know exactly when that was, since it was still going on long after the "end time" of 7:00pm. 
Yes, what a difference a day makes.

This was the gorgeous sunrise this morning.  I loved how the sun shined through the clouds.  What a great reminder that no matter how bad things look, the SON will break through the clouds and the darkness will leave.  Yes, we had our share of difficulties over the last couple of days, but we had that wonderful sun filled time on the beach anyway.  As this sunrise continued, there was a period of darkness as the sun was hidden behind the cloud bank.  But there was that glow behind the clouds that reminded me that there was so much more sun to come.  And then, suddenly, there was the sun, in it's full glory.

I am so thankful for this reminder.  All of us go through these dark times and sometimes we are just hanging on when a hole appears in the fog surrounding us.  And then the light of Jesus breaks into whatever the situation is and reminds us that we are not alone.  More than that, we also remember exactly WHO is really in charge.  And then, even when it seems to get dark again, suddenly we experience a breakthrough that brings the full, shining light and dispels whatever has been covering us in darkness.  And then we get to experience that full wonderful, warm SONLIGHT of the love and care of Jesus. 

So that is my thought for today!  Thank you Jesus for sunrises that speak volumes.  I love how you show me so much in not only the good times, but also the crowded crazy times.  Thank you for the suddenly times when you burst into our life and change everything.  Jesus, you are so amazing and loving.  Thank you for changes from day to day.   Amen