So far in 2016 I have felt a little stuck- in writing, in getting a routine, just in general really. I think of it as a holiday hangover, coming off the heels of excess and extended vacation. I had the pleasure of enjoying both Jason and Jesse home for 2 weeks and just got plain lazy without having any structure. And now that everyone has gotten back to their “regularly scheduled programming” I’m sputtering a little.

“Be an adult” I chide myself, and then whine to Jason about how parenting is so hard! I get overwhelmed having to get back to schedules and chauffeuring and running errands and just everything that life requires of me right now.

And yet, when the thoughts of incompetence and “not enough” creep in, I look up at the vast expanse of blue sky and I am instantly comforted. My eyes scan across the global dome and I feel so small all of a sudden. I think about how big God is, especially in comparison to the stresses of my day. The dizzying thoughts of the to-do list falls away and the tension in my shoulders relaxes a bit.

The sky becomes God’s banner of love over me. It takes my breath away and helps me breathe at the same time. Deep. Slow. Exhale.

The Lord uses His creation to display Himself, His character.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2 ESV)

In those moments of marveling upward I am reminded of Who is always in control. My Father is the Painter of the skies and the Keeper of heavenly lights. I often use the truth phrase: ‘God is Good and God is Sovereign’ to preach to myself. It’s simple but it helps realign my head and my heart so I don’t fall into complete despair and anxiety.

Whether the Lord uses His paintbrush to make wispy, thin clouds against the ocean blue backdrop, or create a stunning sunset of fire pink layered in blazing shades of orange and dark magenta, He demonstrates beautiful grace. My Father whispers, “There is a new day ahead. I am in control of all things and have your good in mind to glorify Myself. I love you endlessly.” Sweet grace.

The grace of God that never runs out is what keeps me going. From a cold and barren winter that slowly emerges into new life come spring, to each blanketed night that transforms into a bright fresh morning, to the very breath and heartbeat I have, they all come from His Hand, His faithfulness. God the Father lavished His love on us in the most profound way by sacrificing His Son in our place. That is redemptive grace at work. It is something I never get tired of and keep coming back to again and again. Meditating on God’s grace leads to gratitude, which promotes worship and ushers us into awe of our Creator God:

“Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26 NIV)

God is God over the minute and the magnificent. So when you feel that your burdens are too heavy and the world presses in suffocating your last glimmer of hope, take heart. The God we serve will never “grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:28-29 NIV).

He will gather you in His arms and carry you through so that the beating of your heart matches His own. You are His. Beloved. That is generous grace overflowing. We are Sons and Daughters of the King and we are seen by our God- our hurts, our struggles, our joys and even our sins- and yet, oh how He loves us still! Praise God for His grace upon grace.

Grace upon grace,

April