Fading Light Reveals Him

Our lights went out the other night.  It happens in farm country this time of year.  A piece of equipment gets caught in something crucial.  A pole snaps.  The house goes quiet. 

After the kids were in bed, I fumbled around for camping lanterns in the garage so I could go inside and finish the projects I had planned to do.  I had the door open to let in more light to help me in my search.  In the whisper of the wind, I felt an invitation. 

I resisted at first, for I had plans of my own.  But the invitation persisted, as did the feeling that I was ignoring the One who beckons me to be still.  So I slipped on a jacket and walked barefoot to a front porch rocker.  As my mind settled, I began to notice sounds:
     A car on the highway distant.
     Birds singing the day to sleep.
     A dog's faraway greeting.
     The wind rustling the leaves.
     Tree frogs in the woods.
               Quiet. . . . 

     My heart's thoughts.

The peace of the stillness led me to really see:
     The clouds' long, slow march to the sea.
     The last pink glow of the sky dimming.
     The stars appearing by name.
     Trees dark against the dusk.
     A spider spinning.

The dim light of fading day revealed what the glaring lights I live by had caused me to miss.

And I realized that God sees and hears
     that star,
     that spider,
     that wind,
     that heart's thoughts.

What is man that you are mindful of him? (Psalm 8:4)

And in being still, I KNOW. 
And I wonder why I've not done this in so long. 

The porch lights flash on.  I get up and shut off their glow
     . . . to rest in His.

Fading Light Reveals Him