I recently went to Maine for a meeting for the United Church of Christ Insurance Board Trustees.  I went early so I could see some of the Northeast, and knew the fall colors would be beautiful.  I drove through the White Mountains in New Hampshire seeing the maples in their splendor.  The vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and greens were a sight to see as they rolled on over “hill and dale.”  Then there was the crystal clear water of the streams in New Hampshire and Maine dancing down the mountains amongst the rocks, fallen trees, and the occasional bush that was growing out of a rock or sandbar in the stream.  It was an inspiring and spirit- lifting sight to see the occasional red, orange, or yellow leaf drifting with the currents of the stream.  It was as if the leaf was on its first cruise; the destination was of no importance.  The trip itself was filled with glory and excitement as it danced along.

I started thinking about what it took for me to enjoy this magnificent spectacle of the beauty of the earth.  It was then that I realized that all this was made possible because of a negative environment for the trees and the streams.  In part, the water is as clear as it is because of the harsh, long winters, which prevent the growth of moss and other plants that change the clarity of streams.  The maple trees show forth the beauty held within because of the cold nights and occasional snow that begin to creep into their lives each fall.  Again, it is a harshness or negative situation that enables such a beauty for me to enjoy.  As I thought about all this, I began to realize a lesson I apparently need to learn again and again.  The difficult times in life are as important, if not more so, than the joyous times in life.  

What minister can preach a great sermon on recovering from great loss if that person has never experienced loss?  What preacher can preach a great sermon on overcoming depression who has never been depressed?  What preacher can preach on hope who has never felt hopelessness? 

The good, the bad, and the ugly that enters our lives can be a blessing if we will allow it to be so.  One of the keys to this happening for us is to realize that every problem carries with it the solution.  Let us pray that God will help us grow more beautiful through the stress in our lives, as do the maples of New Hampshire.

Dawn Breaker #71: God, with your help, I am beautiful because of the circumstances in my life.

"There are a number of guidelines I try to follow in life and ministry. I find that when I follow them, situations sometimes become like the rising of the sun.  There is a luminous glow turning to great light, and occasionally, inspiration.  When I don't follow these adopted guidelines, they sometimes become Don breakers, making life frustrating at best.   I do not suggest you should live by all the principles I choose for my life.  If they are helpful for you, make them your own.  They work for me."
                                                                                                                    Don Shelton