Portland is one of my favorite places. I think it must be not only the beautiful scenery that make it advantageous for taking Photographs, but the beautiful, inspiring people as well. I would be there for six days and by the end of day five, every day had been perfect! The sky was big and blue, above the Columbia River and it held a sun that shined continually. This is not the norm for a city that is known for multiple rainy and cloudy days. The conference I was attending, had taken much of my time, and I was looking forward to my last day as I had planned to venture out around the city and capture some new images. But, towards the end of our final meeting, I heard the gloomy news. The rain was headed our way and my picture-perfect, hopes of a sunny tomorrow was clouded over with news reports and well meaning friends that explained to me that the most I could look forward to tomorrow was rain soaked sneakers!Well, I thought, I'm trusting in the One who commands the weather, I knew that my Father was going to make a way where there seemed to be no way. So, with renewed faith and a prayer of thanksgiving I laid my head down to sleep and waited for the morning. When I awoke I excitedly looked outside and much to my dismay I saw a thick cover of clouds and light sprinkles of rain. Now those of you from Portland know that this usually means that rain and misty fog would take hold, for what could be, days on end. At this point I knew that I had to again, make a choice. I decided that I would trust God for a sunny day. Now many may be thinking here- "What? Does she actualy think that God will answer her prayer and move away clouds?". Well it depends on what your clouds are made of. You see, whether God moved a natural cloud or a spiritual cloud, for me it did not matter. What I knew was that God could be trusted.The first words out of my mouth were- "Thank you Lord for a beautiful sunny day!". I then decided that I would drive through McDonald's and buy some extra cheese burgers to hand out to some of the homeless downtown. I cleaned myself up and got dressed in some comfortable clothes, grabbed my black rain coat and continued to offer up prayers of thanksgiving, for a beautiful sunny day. Now, what I saw in the natural, every time I looked out the big sliding glass door, was more clouds and rain. The daily paper, at my room door, also collaborated with all the other doom and gloom, bearers of bad news. Nevertheless, I was on my way. First stop, McDonald's!
Coming out of the drive-thru window, I happened to look up. There before me was an opening in the clouds and a small patch of blue sky peaking out from behind the veil that wanted to steal my joy, but couldn't. I spoke out loud in my little, white rental car, "Thank You Lord!!!". I knew that He heard my prayers and was blessing me. The God of the universe hears us. He hears every cry and every shout, and every breath of praise. The bible tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God, and that He is a rewarder of those, that diligently seek Him. That blue sky was my reward that day, but it was not to be my only one. That afternoon, I met an interesting homeless man, that became my friend and tour guide. He directed me to The Portland Rose Garden, where we both excitedly jumped out of the car. I began to snap away at roses but continued to peek over at him and was so blessed to find this grown man smelling every flower that he saw. It was as if the smell was freedom to him. Freedom from the pain of homelessness, and the worries of where his next meal would come from and would he ever find laughter and joy again. Though he had lived in Portland for a long time , he had never taken the time to visit this Rose Garden nor had he ever taken the time to smell the roses as he did that day. I often live like this homeless man. I can become so preoccupied with the cares and worries of life, yet all the while, Christ calls me to Himself and says I am your freedom, and the truth that you have been searching for. Inhale deep, like the fragrant rose, I will overwhelm your senses so that you can rejoice in my sweet aroma. I will penetrate every part of your being. My joy will become your strength.I do believe that God answers our prayers, but not always in the ways that we would like to see. Our faith is in Who He is, not What He does. This means that, in just the same way that a loving Father will always do what is best with his own children, so our Father in heaven does, in regards to us. Even when answers toprayers come in unexpected ways and hidden rainbows. You see, it could have been raining cats and dogs, and I would have still been able to see the "sun shine" that day. God actually performed two miracles in Portland. First, He brought thesunlight
through the darkest of clouds- literally. Second, He brought light to the heart of a man that had been covered over by darkness. A miracle is that which happens in the heart. My continued prayer is for that man to be brought into the fullness of Christ and that He would experience the blessings that come to those who put their faith in Him. Remember we all need to take time to smell the roses..PSALM 145:
8You are merciful, LORD!You are kind and patient and always loving. You are good to everyone, and you take care of all your creation. All creation will thank you, and your loyal people will praise you.They will tell about your marvelous kingdom and your power. Then everyone will know about the mighty things you do and your glorious kingdom. Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our LORD, you keep your word and do everything you say.When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food. By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. Our LORD, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere. You satisfy the desires of all your worshipers, and you come to save them when they ask for help. You take care of everyone who loves you, but you destroy the wicked. I will praise you, LORD, and everyone will respect your holy name forever.
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