I started a new hobby over the summer.... kayaking!  One of my very favorite things now (when it's not too cold) is to get up early in the morning, strap the kayak onto the car, and, while it's still dark, drive to Cherokee Marsh or Lake Wingra in Madison.  I get out onto the water just as the sun is starting to come up. 

The sun begins as a bright silver line on the horizon, slowly edging and surrounding the eastern clouds.  And I pray, "Wow... that's gorgeous!  Thank you, God, for this sunrise!"  Then I paddle a little longer and gradually those eastern clouds begin to light up with vibrant reds and pinks.  And I pray, "Wow, God.... I thought it was gorgeous before, but this is breathtaking!  You're SO good to us!"  I stop, take in God's amazing creation for a moment, then turn back toward the dock, which is, even now, barely visible in the dim, morning light.  I am quickly lost in thoughts about myself, my life, what I want, and forget all about the amazing sight I've just seen.  But then something (or someone) makes me stop suddenly.  A voice in my head says, "I wonder how that sunrise is doing?"  I turn to look.... and the entire sky.... all around me is the brightest orange and yellow I have ever seen.  I'm engulfed in it and I am speechless... my thank you to God becomes a moment of selfless, adoring silence.

God is SO good to us and has the power to change the darkest night into the most brilliant, beautiful light.  Many are going through dark times right now.  Good people are finding themselves in tough situations... dealing with financial worries, fearful for the future, gradually losing hope, and desperately wanting change.  Some have the opinion that a certain political party or president will bring that change.  But in reality, no government, party, or political leader is equipped or capable of providing genuine hope for the future.  The problems of our world are part of a sickness that can't be healed by the ruler of a country or the passing of laws.  It's a disease that can only be healed by the One who brings true hope.... by the One how can truly turn darkness into light.

True hope comes not from those who campaign for outward change, but from the One who changes us from within.  And that change begins by being able to look at the sunrise and say, "Thank you, God... you are SO good to us!"

Peace,

Pastor Russ