The robin, a harbinger of spring, sits inside the cold, white lined branches of the tree, while snowy bursts of wind swirl around her. All around, the earth is coated with an untouched yet beautiful invader, overtaking the land, leaving it visually transformed.  A confusing twist brings together dancing flakes and singing birds.  Here is a celebration of now, life as it is, and not would be.

What will you choose to celebrate today, although it still doesn't make sense?

The bright orange ball peeks over the rooftop, spreading a pinkish glow across the azure sky.  As it comes on with blinding brilliance, the activity below appears stark in comparison. With no covering, the blaze of light overtakes the scene.  While warming windows, it illuminates the tiniest flaws in the glass.  But, its presence reduces them to insignificant.
Like this scene, we view our lives through the lens of insecurities and minor inadequacies, but there is a deeper, blazing truth within us of who God made us to be; that when we let it rise, will draw our eye back to the brilliance.

What part of you wants to rise up and be noticed?

The first frost coats the bottom pane of the window, blurring the view of the rising day.  A single light moves across the steel gray sky, an airplane that disappears behind the rooftops.  Across the street a residue of Christmas lights brighten the porch like a small stage awaiting a performance. The manmade lights are a contrast to the natural light, gradually lifting the well hidden scene into view.  A pink cloud breaks through the tracks of darkened gray, turning eyes to its present beauty.  Memories are like the tiny lights at dawn; they offer a performance all their own, as a gift to lighten the darkness, until we capture a glimpse of today's glory and make memories anew.

What is a warm memory that can carry you through a darker time? What memory would you like to make today?