the statement of the heavens

     Watching the evening news the other night, there was a story about Hurricane Florence.  Astronauts at the space station had to use a wide angle lens to take a picture of it.  From space, Hurricane Florence looks quite big.  Weather reports indicate it has the potential and possibility for much devastation and destruction.  While there is concern for those in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, there is also concern for Pennsylvania:  how much, if any, rain will this area get?  Will it be like a couple of weeks ago, or will we be untouched by the rain?  It remains to be seen.
        Looking at the picture of Hurricane Florence from space reminded me, also of Psalm 19:1:  "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims its makers handiwork."   This declaration can be seen on sunny days or starry nights, but in the view of a hurricane from space?
         Yes.  Look closer at the picture of Hurricane Florence from space.  From above, the clouds circling around the eye of the hurricane over blue is a picture of troubled beauty.  Pictures taken inside the hurricane reveal a swirling pattern of gray and white, of wind and rain.
       In the midst of a storm, it can be hard to see beauty.  Instead, it can be easier to see angry waves, angry sky, and whipping wind; buildings giving in to these sheer forces.  Yet beauty does exist, even in the midst of a storm.
        Back in the spring, I had the opportunity to coach for Girls on the Run.  The ten week season encourages girls in grades third through eighth to develop healthy self esteem through physical fitness.  At the end of the season, the girls run a 5k.  That spring day in May was miserable -- it poured buckets, and was very very soggy.  With smiles on their faces, the girls ran it.  Later, one shared with me that she got through it because her mother allowed her to jump in every single puddle they came to. 
        Misery turned into beauty -- and an opportunity.
        Tonight, take a look at the sky.  It may be hard to see the stars, but try to find them.  When you do, know that in all circumstances, the heavens declare the glory of God.  A lesson we can learn from the heavens to declare God's glory -- even in the midst of difficult circumstances.