I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the Glory that will be revealed in us.”   Romans 8:18

Ten years ago I was not drowning in the worldly preparations of Christmas, as it is so easy for me to do today.  In fact, I had gotten very little in terms of gifts…a couple of puzzles for my young son, a gun cleaning kit for my husband, and if I had gotten anything else I don’t recall.  It was not about earthly presents for us…it was about a Heavenly Presence.

On December 22, 2005, I was giving birth to Glory, my daughter.

10 weeks early…

10 weeks less I would be her mom on this earth…

10 weeks too soon for my heart.

And it was Christmas.

I know the heartache that can accompany this time of year.  It’s like a low-lying, unspoken of cloud that just hangs.  Not everyone can see or feel this dense fog but if you do, it’s presence is difficult to deny.

I remember.

But know there is Hope.  There is a time for this.  I have always felt God has you there for a reason.  And He is not letting you go until you are ready. Maybe you can even change your way of viewing that cloud.

If you search the word ‘cloud’ in the Bible you might find an entirely different outlook that is anything but grim…

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.” Genesis 9:13

“And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.” Exodus 13:22

” Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on.” Num 9:22

“But in your great mercy you did not abandon them to die in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud still led them forward by day, and the pillar of fire showed them the way through the night.” Neh 9:19

“Then Moses disappeared into the cloud as he climbed higher up the mountain. He remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” Ex 24:18

“Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord— rejoice in his presence!” Ps 68:4

“For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” Ps 57:10

“Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.”  Mark 9:7

 “Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.”  Luke 21:27

Just like Moses, maybe He calls us each by name into His cloud, His presence…

With His agenda…

With His timing…

To guide us…

And transform us.