The longest day...

"Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O Lord... I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:6,8

Yesterday was literally the longest day of the year.  With the June solstice boasting of the maximum amount of daylight, there was more time for sun-filled activities. Yet for most of us, we quickly equate "the longest day" to difficult days...

waiting for test results
healing from a loss
recovering from an injury
surviving a broken relationship
completing a complicated task
needing a new start
trying unwanted circumstances

But yesterday also came with the sweet reminder that the longest day can end like a sundae, with a luscious cherry  on top... or strawberry.  At the end of the longest day this year, the full moon rose, a strawberry moon.  These two events have not occurred on the same date since 1948 and will not again until 2062.  It was an absolutely breathtaking sight, capping off the longest day!

Father, we are reminded by Your spectacular display that when we face our longest day, it is not the end. Exhaustion, fear and doubt may overtake us during the day, but You do not leave us there alone in the dark.  In Your perfect time we see Your Hand and are reminded it is never pulled away from us.  We are always surrounded and covered by Your brilliant light and love.  Thank You for ending our longest days in glory to You, not just on special occasions, but every time.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal