Every Morning...

It's in the morning hours upon awakening that my mind is bombarded with thoughts. Thoughts tumble through my mind like water rushing down a mountain stream, randomly consuming my pondering as they encounter the rocks, boulders, and fallen limbs of life.

It's been a wearisome month in so many ways. The thoughts that consume my mind in the mornings can be majestic and fierce all at the same time.

I returned to Budapest this week feeling the toll of this past month, only to fight with a fever on the flights home. A doctor visit confirmed bronchitis and a sinus infection. I've been in bed the past two days. Two days I really needed to regroup after the long haul of everything.

A phone call to my parents today brought the news that my brother's farm was hit by a tornado in the early morning hours with extensive damage to his chicken barns.

There are no guarantees.

No guarantees of what life will be like. Of what is to come.

No guarantees of life or death. No guarantees that tornadoes will evade life or possessions. No guarantees of sickness or health. No guarantees as to how life will turn out.

But this one thing I do know. A sure guarantee. The love of God is unending and His grace and mercies are new every morning. Every morning. (thoughts from the book of Lament 3:21-24)

I have no other place to put my hope except in His unfailing love. Therefore I will not be consumed.

It is in the morning hours that I will surrender. When the spring waters race down the mountain side from the melting snows of winter, consuming anything in its path, it is there that I will surrender. Surrender to His compassion and love. His faithfulness. A lush green valley awaits below. A place where still and restful waters restore.

Great is His faithfulness. Every morning.