Good morning from Illinois.  Found a fall picture to cheer me up, as winter blues attempt to fill my soul. These creatures are so beautiful. This morning there must have been over a hundred of the white pelicans, getting a breakfast of fish, as their long beaks dipped into the water. Reflections this week slip back to last night and our trip.

Mixed weather from 30 degrees in Springfield Sunday, to 55 in St. Louis in the afternoon. Throughout the day, as we drove the 100 miles to the famous city with the big arch, we had scattered fog, sprinkles to hard rain, and then sun slinking through the clouds. On the way home, darkness added to the mixed blessings.

Weather, however, played second place to the wonderful concert by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The concert opened with a new commissioned work by Kevin Puts, Silent Night Elegy followed by the cherry on top of the cake – Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor. How I love that music, and with the incredible orchestra, along with over 100 voices prepared by Amy Kaiser, it was a joyful afternoon.

For the first time, I actually saw the words presented on the screen in English. One phrase struck me as the chorus repeated it numerous times during the third movement.

“Above the starry vault, a loving father surely must dwell.” Hallelujah! What a glorious thought Beethoven included. 

Yes, even through the fog, rain, blowing clouds, and darkness, we are not alone. We need not fear, for our Father is peeking through the clouds, checking on us. I hope He missed that my foot was a tad heavy on the gas pedal, but as we wound our way through the dark, wet, streets of St. Louis, thoughts of God provided peace.

In I Corinthians 6:19, Paul reminds believers that “ . . . your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you”.  John 1:14 said that Jesus dwelt among us. This really means “to pitch his tent” among us. These words are even more comforting than knowing He is above the clouds, loving me, and checking on me. 

The challenge, for this author, is remembering that God is always with me. I forget to greet him in the morning as I pop out of bed and dash off for my corn flakes and coffee. A quick prayer of thanks, and then putting out the garbage, dashing for a dental appointment, or having lunch with a friend, but never stopping once to say “Hi” to my Friend. The Holy Spirit tagged along, but how often do I basically ignore him until I cover up my head at night. Hopefully, as I tumble under the covers, I say, “Good night  Father,” but what about a meaningful conversation?

Many days, busy, self-centered, or thoughtless, describe my actions. Ignoring him is not intentional. Could it just be I’m too focused and myopic? Maybe I need to tack John 1:14 on the bathroom wall, my car mirror, and on my left wrist to remind me that God is not only above the clouds – He is WITH me.