An Epiphany

e·piph·a·ny - a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

This evening I was out with Stitch for our walk/hike. This usually occurs on the nights that I don't have another activity after work. Since it's usually late in the evening when we leave the house, I try to keep a quick enough pace to get us back home before dark, dinner, a favorite TV show, bedtime, etc. Tonight we were going across one of the grassy fields near the driving range, which is about a mile from my house. Stitch was running along chasing butterflies and panting (aka puppy smiling) as she always does, just thrilled to be on a walk with me. I was, as I always do, charging along watching the ground for...well...crap. (It happens.) I also have to make sure that we stay on the path, don't get lost, watch for other people (Stranger Danger, right kids?!), loose dogs that could attack Stitch, rocks, holes in the ground, or anything else that might trip me up. Let's just say I get preoccupied.

I suddenly I realized that I hadn't looked up in a long time. Of course I look up enough to make sure Stitch is safe and not getting too tired, but I hadn't looked up - way up. I stopped walking and looked up to see the most beautiful sunset in a sky full of white fluffy clouds. (I love sunsets. Always have.) The weather was perfect as I stood in awe of God's magnificent creation. Just like that - epiphany! I laughed to myself realizing how like life. I'm always so busy...physically and mentally! I'm hurrying through life trying to dodge all the crap and stumbling blocks in my path without getting lost. It is so easy to forget to stop and look up!

The sky was such a beautiful reminder that He is always with me...guiding me home. It reminded me of one of my favorite running songs - "Light Up the Sky" by The Afters.

When I'm feeling all alone
With so far to go
The signs are no where on this road
Guiding me home
When the night is closing in
Is falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close?

Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me You are with me
I can't deny
No I can't deny that You are right here with me
You've opened my eyes
So I can see You all around me
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me
That You are with me

 When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don't feel them shining
When I can't see You beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I've almost reached the end
Like a flood You're rushing in
Your love is rushing in

Once Stitch and I got back into our neighborhood, I could see a silver lining shining just over the hill as the sun finally set. Amazing. Yeah, you still have to watch where you are going, but don't forget to take the time to look up. You won't regret it.

 "...The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."   - Psalm 19:1