The sky which looks a pool of blue today, displays gradually increasing intensity of pigment. The pale blue stain hovering over the tree line makes the treetops appear to hold a blueish tint. An ascending gaze captures a deeper hue until the center of the endless canopy is rich in color you could swim in. So much in our lives hinges on how deep we want to go.  Greater intensity produces deeper experiences.  And spiritually, the higher up we look, the richer and deeper the joy.

What is an area of your life where you want or need to go deeper?

The metal tower, with dishes that appear as pock marks on a body, stretches into the sky so that the tip fades and disappears into the morning fog. It towers over the trees below. A small unique plant stands erect below; it's trunk like the thin tower above, and it stretches up in its own natural way. It has a head like a broom, and leans just a bit to the right. With all of its humble markings, it seems just as it ought. Both are made with intention, but the plant, though less dominant and easily eclipsed, wears the suit of authenticity, having grown naturally and remaining connected to the world around it. 

We tend to build images of ourselves that serve important purposes. Yet, it is our authentic selves that carry the truth and wisdom that connects us to the world around us.

What image do you need to move out of the way to bring more of your authentic self to others?

The gray mist creates silhouettes of the trees in the distance.  The white sky above them seems without dimension. A black bird flies across it quickly, as if suddenly aware of how he contrasts, and is unwittingly the center of attention. There are times when all seems dull, and the smaller things in life, typically ignored, seem magnified. Dull moments can bring forth what's hidden underneath and give air time to that which is taken for granted. Nothing in God's creation, or our lives, is meaningless.

What do you take for granted? What would happen if you gave honor to it?

The bird with the commanding view, stands on the rooftop, close to the earth and near to the heavens. None of it belongs to him, but all of it is provision for him to observe and access. His head erect, he switches views from one side to the next.  Another bird flies in and replaces this one. It's focus is on the roof shingles. It searches with intensity, never looking up. We are like these birds, sometimes so lost in the search and details that we miss the larger opportunities around us; then suddenly when reminded we lift our heads and see the endless opportunities awaiting.

What opportunity may be awaiting you, if you lift your head?

Sunrise on the ocean

Orange streamers stretching from one side of the eastern sky to the other, with hues of pink and gray accents, signal the emergence of the sun. As we wait, clouds and colors shift in preparation, while some remain pointed toward the center, like spotlights, holding the space for the star.  A flame of yellow peeks through the purple and orange shield, while the water and sand reflect the sky's brilliance. In the grand finale of this elaborate show, the fiery orange ball arises in continuous motion to greet the day and it's spectators. In moments, a calming blue washes over the open sky, and darkness is gone.

What are you preparing for in your life that you are ready to see emerge? 

Spiritually, what role do you want to play in the grander stage of life's culmination?

The seaside morning appears basted in a gentle white glaze, accenting the sun filled clouds. With intention, the sun bursts through, rising to its purpose; and the warmth penetrates the air and sand below.  It reminds that all God creates is brimming with intention. It's discovering it, and standing in it, that changes the wayward to the whole, the possible to its potential.

In what way do you want to live intentionally today?

High above the ocean, to the left, a cluster of clouds hangs with a hazy sun, and opaque sky. To the right the sky is a brilliant blue canopy, with an infinite quality. The contrast is stark. Which to linger on is a choice.  It's reflective of our thoughts. It's so easy to stay focused on the clouds. But with a slight repositioning, endless blue dominates the view. 

What brilliant, positive thoughts are waiting in line for your attention, behind the cloudy ones?

The clouds hover above in paisley fashion, designing the natural ceiling with distinct detail.  And suddenly the patterns below jump out. The horizontal lined patterns on the houses below, the curved leaves, and the soldier like grass standing erect in vertical lines, contrasting the seemingly random pattern of the mulch surrounding the tree. Patterns from nature abound in all, and we mirror them in our designs. Creativity is designing new patterns that God has hidden for us to find.

What patterns do you see in your own life? What is a new pattern you would like to create?

The wispy gray clouds are passing by, as if drawn by a magnet in the east. The variation of the shades of gray sweeping over the trees is stunning.  The fog which is settled over the horizon adds yet another hue.  It's surprising how so much depth and beauty emerges from a nearly colorless scene. And in flies the male cardinal. The contrast startles in giddiness. Even with eyes to see the best, it seems God has better. His plans and desires can be startlingly greater than what we settle for.

What would happen if you let your dream grow bigger?

A female cardinal hops around the interior of the tree nearby.  She flies from tree to tree as if trying them out, landing atop the tallest, on the highest perch, silhouetted against the sky. Majestic. She knows her place.  She sees what she deserves. She doesn't hide herself from shame or inadequacy. She explores and chooses the best, never aware whether she dare deserve it. 

What do you want to say to the voice telling you you don't deserve it?

Standing square in the center of the green carpeted ground, the stately tree stretches it's arms across the sky. Appearing balanced and impressive, a closer look reveals a tiny branch curved around, in nearly a full circle, contrasting sharply with the upward strong straight limbs jettisoning themselves out from the trunk. It's as if the small branch did an "about face," heading in the opposite direction. It's interesting pattern appears out of place from the rest of its company, but compelling to the observer. We can't always take the straight path. It compromises our true identity. The curves that express our journey may be small and pale in comparison to others more noteworthy. Yet they will undoubtedly affirm our destiny, and attract the eye of the discerning.

What curve in your life's journey gives you inner strength?

The sun is shining across the light blue sky, while birds chase one another disappearing into the distance. A mix of chirping offers background music, as the ends of the tree branches sway to a gentle steady breeze. A summer morning opens the door to hope and opportunity, as all seem to be playing their parts. When peace moves in and everything feels in its right place, we settle in to renew energy lost elsewhere in life. 

Life is self renewing if we keep our eyes ready to see the sun.

What hope does this day bring for you?

Vertical clouds drawn down the middle of the sky stand out.  The streaks look out of place, laying in the opposite direction of all the horizontal clouds on every side. They form an image of a crown, with a translucent quality that appears temporary.  It's funny how we notice that which takes a different path, goes in a different direction, dares to stand out. Even if for a brief time, there is power in that difference.

When have you dared to be different, and gone in your own direction? What would happen if you did that now?

A gray mist colors the day.  Breaking open between the clouds above is a pond of brilliant blue. It's eminence is shining, taking charge of the day. It's calling for attention, contrasting with the dulled scene beneath. Color is on the way. Power is coming forth to shift the atmosphere. With eyes upward, we cannot miss the potential in each day, or each one of us. 

What potential do you have that is wanting to break through?

The tree across the street stands tall and stately, growth pushing out in every direction. A closer look reveals an intricate network of brown branches up at the top, hidden by the green regalia.  A cluster of spindly sticks branching off from a central limb shows a much more complex characteristic. It's less attractive, but far more interesting. Like each of us, in true complexity masked by the surface, lies our vulnerable depth. Within and underneath is what allows the outward to exist. Not as pretty, but longer lasting and far more interesting. 

What would happen if you showed others more of your hidden depth?

The pavement is darkened from the nights rain, but the dawns early light reveals the breaking of the clouds, with bright patches growing slowly across the sky. On the horizon the fog lingers across the trees.  Soon a translucent puff of  darkened smoke pushes gently in front of the white. The pink glow stretched below it is swallowed up in gray, and the showers begin. Like a faucet turned quickly, they end as suddenly as they came.  A pink hue permeates the gray, and light returns. 

Like in life, change arrives suddenly. Disappointment descends. Yet as suddenly, and still predictably, God restores the joy, and we see the purpose of the rain.  

Rains come for a while but they never stay. They are outdone by the light of God that is always restored. 

When has your hope been restored, just as you thought it was drained?

The sky is almost white from the sun washing over it, like a blank piece of paper. The trees looking down at their own shadows, at first glance, all appear to look alike. In focus, the edges of their shadows form unique artwork.  Without warning the shadows disappear.  Down the street a light green tree stands center stage, sunlit and brilliant in its unique lime green hue.  It proudly eclipses the house behind. As the sun shifts, the tree fades in to the background, yielding to the trees in front whose qualities are more pronounced in the filtered light. It reminds that unexpected changes and opportunities to be grasped await daily. God has drawn a new day--it seems a travesty to view it the same as all others. 

What is unique about today? How will you make the most of it?

The dim morning hangs outside, as if waiting.  The treetops subtly moving, signaling the rain that is on the way, but still far off.  The clouds above are tightly knit together, bracing. A mist in the distance covers the cluster of trees like a summer blanket. Anticipation is an interesting preoccupation. Worry anticipates.  Hope anticipates. Is a refreshing rain on the way to offer drink, and help the flowers and vegetation grow, or is a downpour coming that will usher in floods, postpone picnics, and lock play indoors?

Maybe all of the above, and perspective will determine the outcome.

What are you anticipating? What perspective does it represent?

The sun is slowly growing stronger, drawing a clearer contrast between the shadow of the shrub and the warming sidewalk. The shadow stands out, taking on a life of its own. The sun emerging from the clouds creates a softened image of concrete, transforming it into a beach below.  As we are thankful for the warmth that enters our lives unexpectedly, the hidden saboteurs are exposed; and and even the difficult no longer possesses the intimidating qualities it once had. The sun overwhelms. 

What warmth in your life are you thankful for? What impact does a thankful perspective have on your challenges?