“You make the outgoings of the morning and evening shout for joy” (Psalms 65:8).

It was an early fall morning at the beach in South Carolina. Several friends were enjoying a girlfriends’ weekend, and three of us had risen early to savor the spectacle of the sunrise over the ocean. Soft light was beginning to filter through the clouds as we sleepily made our way down to the beach. The gentle surf of low tide peacefully bathed the cool sand as we set our beach chairs down near the surf’s edge and as close to one another as we could for warmth. Breathing in the steam of fresh brewed coffee, we sipped from warm mugs and settled back to enjoy the majestic arrival of the new day. Beams of light began to streak across the sky like emissaries going out to announce the arrival of a great dignitary. Wispy clouds took on a golden hue, accenting soft shades of orange and blue that stretched across the horizon. The sun began to rise…slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, then in full glory. The ocean unfolded a welcoming runner of gold that extended from the sun’s first light to the edge of the surf. Wet sand reflected the shimmering light, and left no hint of the countless footprints and sand sculptures from the day before. Everything felt new and fresh, the day full of possibilities. How grateful I am that our God specializes in renewal. Not only is renewal built in to creation, in every sunrise, in every spring morning, in every bud and blossom, but He offers us spiritual renewal as well. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) He renews our strength (Isaish 40:31), He renews our minds (Romans 12:2; Eph. 4:23), He restores our joy (Psalm 51:12). He forgives, heals, and redeems to give us renewed life spiritually (Psalms103:3-4). When I pray, “Thy kingdom come,” I am anticipating a time of renewal upon the whole earth, when “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings….” (Malachi 4:2). “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea roar and all its fullness….for He is coming to judge the earth, He shall judge the earth with righteousness…” (Psalm 96:11-13).

Two of my dearest friends and I have a fun tradition. On each of our birthdays we meet at Starbucks early in the morning. Thoughtfully, the birthday girl arrives a little later than the other two, which allows time for decorating a corner of the coffee shop. We are not subtle in our decorations, and we always feel a little sorry for anyone who comes to Starbucks that morning anticipating a quiet cup of coffee. Mostly, we find folks enjoy our festive display, and sometimes complete strangers join in the fun. As girlfriends, we delight in making one another feel special. We have surprised each other on more than one occasion with creative and fun acts of giving, just to say “you are special, and you are loved!” Personally, I cannot think of anything more joyful than demonstrating to a loved one how loved they are and knowing that they get it!

Reflecting on our birthday tradition, I understand something about God in a new way. It is always totally amazing to remember that God said He created us in His “image”….I believe that means He created us to possess (in a very finite way) some of the attributes of His very nature. He was the first to delight in demonstrating love…everything He made….all of creation….was made for us, because He loves us…wow! I believe He spent eternity planning it and that He had great fun doing it, and seeing that it was “all good” as His plan came together. He is the Originator of joyful surprises….how surprised Adam must have been when God presented Eve (I’m sure Eve was a little surprised, too….) Every sunset and sunrise, every spring morning holds another surprise. And the ultimate surprise….”no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (II. Cor. 2:9)
Surely it gives our Creator great joy when we reflect on His gifts, immeasurably full of surprise and wonder…given because He loves us immeasurably …but I wonder, do we get it?