Held

Just beyond the lights of the distant house, the ocean meets the sky seamlessly, as if they are one. The sky is on fire with the brilliance of God.

It takes my breath away.

Even in the midst of pain, there is such beauty. Sometimes, it hurts for the world to just keep moving, even when our hearts ache with loss.

How can the world keep turning when . . .

. . .My loved one died.

. . .I lost my job.

. . .Someone I love has cancer.

. . .I had to move away across the country.

. . .I have chronic pain.

. . .COVID-19.

Everyone is going through something.

The lady in front of you at the grocery store is exhausted from taking care of her elderly parents and her children. 

It embarrasses the young mother yon aisle 6 that her two-year-old is having a tantrum in public. She sees all the eyes on her, making her feel less than.

The person in the car next to you at the red light, the one wiping their tears, they just lost the love of their life, and they’re headed to the funeral home to plan a funeral to say goodbye one last time.

The stoic man in the corner of the elevator has to go home and tell his wife of 45 years that he has stage 4 cancer.

The dad of the family at the playground has been without a job since COVID-19 shutdowns. He wonders what will happen if the children get sick since they have no insurance.

Everyone is going through something.

Yet, the majesty of God is on display. He is sovereign, and He is with us. It’s a beautiful reminder of His creation. As I stand there drinking in His brilliance, feeling the cold ocean breeze on my cheeks, I know He keeps His promises. He will never leave or forsake us. He will uphold us with His right hand. 

I am held. 

On a good day and on the hardest day of my life, I am held.