As you can see, I snapped the photo through the windshield of my car, resulting in a shot which, while illuminating the sun in all its splendor, is also framed by the madness that makes up morning rush hour.
The following closeup (well, as close as I could get to the star we all rely on for life and sustenance, as seen from the mundane perspective of a two ton hunk of steel) captures an extra kind of essence; notice that here, not only is the sun itself on glorious display, but it seems to be emitting a penetrating ray which cuts right through all the traffic and phone lines that complicate our daily existence.
Thankful to be stopped at a light, I grabbed my phone (another modern convenience which, while invaluable in its versatility and immediacy, can also divert our gaze from the most primary need humanity has - connecting with the Creator), and clicked away.
Reflecting on the sun's beauty amidst the chaos we call progress, I recalled a song by Keith Green, Your Love Broke Through. If I had had time to sit and marvel, I would have pulled over for as long as it took to meditate on the grandeur of creation, which is nothing more than a reflection of the glory of its Creator. But, you know, I had to get to work. And even if I hadn't been beholden to the almighty time clock, my day would've been cluttered with the thousands of things on that to do list that holds me captive, always promising an end, but ever expanding even as I tick off items.
Maybe it's time to revisit my last article pondering the tyranny of the urgent. Or maybe just breathe. I'm not necessarily referring to deep breathing, such as we're taught in stress management courses (although that can be helpful). No, what I'm suggesting is that we breathe the way Jonny Diaz's song, Breathe, suggests, by laying aside the urgent and taking whatever precious minutes we can find to just sit at our Lord's feet. Maybe even - heaven forbid - making time to marvel at His majesty.
I know, I know. The why is obvious; the how is something else again.
I think it's different for each person. I find it helpful to wake up early to pray and read Scripture with a friend. Others' mornings may not be able to accommodate such rituals; my humble suggestion is to pray and ask the Lord to reveal the how that will work in your own life.
I promise you won't be disappointed.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!
3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!
9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children!
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the Lord!
- Psalm 148
