Clouds

Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
March 24, 2010

Photograph by Elizabeth Brown

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3

When I am by the sea, the clouds cannot be ignored. Perhaps my favorite is the cumulus cloud. They look like cotton balls, fluffy and white, stretching up to the heavens. As a child I would lie in the sand and look to the sky to see what images they made. Now, years later, to look up and see the sky full of these clouds is a daylong delight to enjoy. Whether the sun is peeking behind the clouds or they are all standing in line as though they are on a journey together, their shapes and sizes fascinate the child in me. One thing is certain though, the clouds come and go. They are constantly moving, never standing still. Some days the skies are laden with them or on other days there is just a wisp of faded curls circling the skies.

That’s the way it is with trials that we face. They come and go, mostly. Nothing ever stays the same. Some days may feel heavier than others with life’s concerns, and then there is a break before the next one arises. God equips us with all the tools we need to weather the trials in life. He is steadfast in his love and protection. It’s important to remember that we are building faith as we face the valleys in our path. Our existence is dependent on Him and He will see us through all our days, cloudy or not