Being Chased By The Storm – I Saw My “Patch of Blue”

I left my meeting early with hopes of beating the storm.  At this same time of day, just twenty-four-hours ago, the sunset sky danced with brilliant baby blues and pink rimmed clouds that looked as if they were made of cotton candy.  I knew that if the heavens decided to repeat the same dance I didn’t want to miss the photo opportunity as I had yesterday.

So, while driving towards the ocean I watched a more ominous sky close in around me and soon realized that this day would bow down to its close with something less spectacular than the beauty I failed to capture the previous day.  The blackened clouds came from the mountains and seemed to envelop the sky.  There was no time to make it to the coast so I drove into a gated community by a lake and figured I’d just settle for that.

How interesting that the thought of just settling for something less came to mind.  I took photos of the clouds and the mountains but it wasn’t until night had fallen and I turned to leave that I saw my “patch of blue.”   With a few clicks of the shutter the moment was captured in time.  There it was, an opening to heaven.

With all the darkness of the world closing in I could still see the heavens.  How often do we only see the black of the storm and forget that blue skies lie just beyond those clouds?  Do we tend to focus on our sorrows or do we see beyond the darkness of those trials?  One thing is for certain . . . storms do end and clouds do part.  Sometimes we just have to remember that there is a “patch of blue” through the storm.  And to say it is a glimpse into the heavens and a hope for a brighter day isn’t a far-reaching thought.  It really is there.  Maybe all we need to do is turn around and look up.

In Others’ Words:

I’ve seen it when light fleecy clouds went scurrying ‘cross its face,

And made that tiny bit of sky look like a bit of lace.

I’ve also seen the storm clouds burst and winds go rushing through,

But I always knew that once again I’d see my “patch of blue.” . . . . .

When sunset drops its curtain down she turns to golden hue,

That little bit of lovely sky that was my “patch of blue.”

~ From: My “Patch of Blue” by Mary Newland Carson~

Behind the Sunset - The Dawn of a New Day

Have you ever thought about how a photograph of a sunset could be mistaken for a sunrise if you do not know where the photographer was standing when he or she took the picture?  I love the thought that a sunset, and the ending of a day, becomes the dawning of a new day for another in a different part of the world.  Whether it is an end or a beginning solely depends on where you are standing.

Now, if you focus on the sunset and your life as it was, you will miss the coming sunrise and the opportunities of life as it could be.  Focusing too much on the problems of your past as opposed to the potential of your future will prevent you from turning in the right direction.  Not only will you miss new opportunities, but your back will be turned away on your new day as it’s light bursts forth.  You may still feel its warmth on your back, but honestly, wouldn’t it be better to be facing  and embracing the dawn with anticipation to see all it has to offer you?  The new day brings with it new opportunity and a chance to spread your wings and soar.

In Others’ Words:

When true simplicity is gained

To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,

To turn, turn will be our delight

‘Till by turning, turning we come round right.

~ Joseph Brackett ~