Chasing the Sunrise

/ Gail Johnson

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall (Malachi 4:2 KJV).  

I had a plan this year, but I watched helplessly as it caught the fluttering breeze and flew away. But to my credit, I didn’t panic. I knew things would eventually get back to normal, and I would be back on track the following week. (You know where this is going, don’t you?)

That didn’t happen. As one month turned into two, and then two months turned into six, I struggled to keep the same schedule while juggling more responsibilities. I grew angry with myself for not being able to do it all. Add health issues that left me with debilitating fatigue and memory lapses, and you have the perfect storm.

I fell so far behind, I felt as if I was drowning. One afternoon, I stared at my computer and made the decision to close the office until life settled down. I walked away from both manuscripts for ten weeks and accepted my situation for what it truly was, an opportunity to serve. Suddenly, my schedule didn’t look so important. The stress of trying to do it all gradually fell away, and I found peace.

I no longer worried about keeping up. Instead, I turned my attention to the sunrise and gave thanks for a new day.

Each morning held a wondrous gift. Some mornings, it looked as if the pine trees were on fire. Other mornings, the first glimmer of sunshine turned windswept gray clouds into pink cotton candy strands.

One foggy morning, I could barely see the cars in front of me (the perfect metaphor for my current season). But then, fifteen minutes before I reached my destination, I peered out the window facing the eastern sky. Amid the gray expanse were three minuscule streaks, here and there, just above the tree line. Suddenly, that ugly gray sky held a beautiful truth:

Yes, the days were dark and scary. But no matter how gray the skies looked, the Lord was there, just like the sun was still there, hidden behind the fog and rain clouds. All I had to do was not give up, but chase the sunrise.

And chase, I did!

My friend, I don’t know what your year has been like, but I know we serve a Savior Who hears His children’s cries. We are not alone. Look up and keep chasing the sunrise!

I no longer worried about keeping up. Instead, I turned my attention to the sunrise and gave thanks for a new day. #hope

27 thoughts on “Chasing the Sunrise”

  2. This is beautifully written Gail. You are right, we do plunge down stress-ridden slopes sometimes. Climbing out of them can even break our spirit. Wait patiently on the Lord to heal. You are entitled to rest, grieve, have a pity-party even – but as they say “ya can’t keep a good girl down!” and you are indeed a strong woman of amazing wisdom. You know happiness is a choice and broken bones heal stronger. You are about to thrive once again for you have the LORD by your side! ❤

  4. I’m thankful for this post, and thankful I read your wise and encouraging words. Your pictures are gorgeous! I learn so much by looking at our skies, and like you, I desire to slow down and relish each moment of each day. Blessings, Gail!

    • Patty, thank you. We all must slow down and allow the Lord’s peace to strengthen us.

      I loved your post this morning. It reminded me of my son who lives 500 miles away. I miss him and, at times, wish him small again. But life goes on. And all we can do is keep chaos g the sunrise. All will be well in the end.

      Blessings, Patty. 💖

      • Oh Gail, I know what you mean about wishing them smile again. Our daughter and her husband live 10 hours in one direction from us, and our son lives 10 hours in the other direction from us. I miss all of them so much. I never knew that raising responsible adults would sometimes hurt my heart, but we’re proud of them. You have a wonderful day, Gail! 🧡

  6. Beautiful post, Gail. I don’t think we can ever really “keep up” can we? Sometimes it’s best to wave the white flag, turn off the computer and open our Bible. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.

  7. Great post, Gail! It is so easy to get tied up in the things we feel we have to do when all we really HAVE to do is simply slow down and listen to God tell us what HE wants us to do. God bless you as you continue your journey!

    • Hi, Ruth! I agree. It is easy to get caught up in the busy. At times, it’s hard to recognize until we’re overwhelmed. We are blessed to have a Father who loves us enough to whisper truth to us. Thanks for visiting. Blessings on your week!

  8. Wonderful post, Gail! I think we all get into the mode where we think we have to do it all, when all we HAVE to do is slow down and let God work through us in HIS time. God bless you as you continue on your journey!

  11. Amen. Choosing to be with Him each morning. I love to open the front door and then the back door and say, “Thank You Lord, for this glorious day.” 🙂 I can imagine God smiling.

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