There is a period of life when you lose touch with the lessons of childhood and it takes a grandchild to bring remembrances.
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Well in truth, it's not the grandchildren but the books you read to them.
I was recently reminded by some inspiring words to children that clouds can hide the stars and cover mountains. In that moment, it can seem like there are no stars or mountain tops.
As a new year began, we reminisced that a year earlier we had the good fortune to travel to Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. The most common question asked of us was if we saw the mountain.
Personally, I thought it was a stupid question because the day we were there was stunning and the mountain displayed all its splendor. I was quickly led to believe that cloud often hides the mountain top and we were lucky to see things so clearly.
None of those who asked the question ever suggested that the mountain was not there.
Mountains don't move and stars don't stop shining but clouds can hide them. Life offers some significantly more serious cloudy days.
There are dark clouds that attach to life and hide what is significant. Cloudy days come with: the death of a loved one; news from the doctor you are not well; a separation or divorce; addictions that seem unconquerable; peer pressures that end in compromised absolutes; the threat of court judgments; work closures and potential unemployment; and much more.
It is so easy to find yourself in places where things cloud from view what has never moved.
The Bible offers enormous insight into the immovable and unchangeable mountain that is God. In one grand observation, the Bible declares, "God is love".
Thankfully our sin, the mess-ups of life, our failures to honor God and others never cloud God's desires to act justly, to offer mercy, and to extend forgiveness to those he loves dearly.
When Christ was born there was no room for him in the inn. While He lived, his kindness was questioned. When He died, his crucifixion revealed a people with no room in their hearts for Him.
You would think such things would cloud God's judgment. But the mountain that is God was never clouded for Jesus who to the end was found praying "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing."
While Godless days will forever hide from view the vistas of hope, God's loving forgiveness is a brilliant beginning for clarity on all our cloudy days.
Thank God for children's books that can still teach a grandfather clouds don't make the mountains and stars disappear. I will teach my children and my grandchildren that. I hope I can even teach you that.