Less than half full...

7am. striated clouds and strokes of pink and orange. 3 hours have passed since I first pulled the string of my asian latern on top of our bed's built in bookcase--the light piercing and unwelcome at the time. my cerramic mug now has barely an inch of coffee remaining before I move on to English Breakfast tea and my eyes strain because I've been looking at the computer screen far too much these days. This week I have been dreaming of warm summer days with sea breezes and ocean sprays. The forcast for today: snow and ice. I guess there are worse things. When it is not snowing here, its sunny. and sunny is good. it warms my spirit even if it doesn't warm my body. and I'm thankful for these pink and orange mornings of mine. Andrew Bird and South American landscapes distract me from a reality of an empty YMCA lobby. People trickle in and venture beyond the front desk only to imerge an hour later bidding me ' a good weekend'. I reply 'thank you, you stay safe out there' in regards to tonight's coming storm. When did I become that person who wishes safety? In my core, I hope for everything but safety. I pray people's lives (mine included) are so unsafe that we are jolted from comfort and our tendency to rely on ourselves and that we may once again (or for the first time) rely on God for all our needs. I talked to my sister yesterday; she asked me if I was following the events in Egypt. I told her yes I was following Egypt as well as the countries surrounding Egypt during this time of uncertainty and turmoil. She supports missionaries in Egypt and asked that I would remember them in prayer as they are working around the clock with people whose lives have been jolted! Their reports are that people are searching for answers and for God more than ever! They are hearing the gospel, the good news, and trusting in Christ. This is why I hope, wish, and pray that we are not 'safe'. So...let the storms come. Snow and ice projected three times this week. This weather brings people inside to me here at the YMCA and I am given the opportunity to speak life into wintery gray souls. Come Lord Jesus...shine on us.