My favorite spot on vacation is early morning sunrise. Before the busy of the day, my soul and all my senses take in God’s glory, His creatures, and the faithfulness of the sun to rise. This morning I was able to visually see the moon and sun out at the same time. Birds sing, take flight, and dive for breakfast. Every insect is announcing the night has gone–brand new day! His glory shines forth until the luminous rays make a path all the way to the shore line-a guided path and promise that we are changed from glory to glory. A dog rushes to the water, stops, and stares at the same scene, and, even he is in awe of it all. God’s masterpiece.

Each of us comes to a place like this with our story–our work.  We can be intentional, or not. I chose to not only rest and play, but to also work. Reading FerVent, by Priscilla Shirer, has been right on schedule. I’m amazed, and, honestly, frustrated with the areas we neglect to pray for and acknowledge. Although my body was still, my spirit staggered about like the first steps in the morning after the alarm clock goes off for the third time.  I closed my eyes to pray as the heat from the sun covered me and a cool breeze found its way to refresh and add comfort. Clicking on my music the first song to play was Brand New Day by Van Morrison–Pandora’s choice. At first, my fingers were quick to switch to Big Daddy Weave or my Amazing Grace selections, but the words pulled me in, like the ocean’s gentle current. I was drawn into the presence of God as He spoke to my staggering soul.

When all the dark clouds roll away
And the sun begins to shine

I see my freedom from across the way

And it comes right in on time
Well it shines so bright and it gives so much light
And it comes from the sky above

Makes me feel so free makes me feel like me (Be the you I’ve called you to be! No fear! No comparisons!)
And lights my life with love

And it seems like and it feels like
And it seems like yes it feels like
A brand new day, yeah
A brand new day oh (Deep breathe in His love, exhale the old; The new has come!)

I was lost and double crossed
With my hands behind my back
I was longtime hurt and thrown in the dirt
Shoved out on the railroad track
I’ve been used, abused and so confused
And I had nowhere to run (This verse reminded me of my book–all the areas that the enemy tries to still your joy, uproot you from the presence and guidance of God’s love, and the battle we face each day.)

But I stood and looked
And my eyes got hooked
On that beautiful morning sun

[Chorus]

And the sun shines down all on the ground
Yeah and the grass is oh so green

And my heart is still and I’ve got the will

And I don’t really feel so mean

Here it comes, here it comes
Oh here it comes right now

And it comes right in on time
Well it eases me and it pleases me
And it satisfies my mind

I walked up the path, up the stairs, and walked into the house where my family was still sleeping. I sat in my chair and closed my eyes–Lord, when I get up from this chair a brand new day will happen–I will be forever changed.

The song on video:

Brand New Day, Van Morrison