Great Clouds

I have had clouds on my mind quite a bit lately...along with Hebrews 12:1-3.  Nearly every version of the Bible in which I looked up this passage contains the phrase "cloud of witnesses."  Pilots love clear blue skies with not a cloud in sight.  I am no exception but I have grown to really appreciate the beauty of clouds and the many shapes they take.  I love the beauty of flying over them, especially at sunrise.  The dark of night is chased away by the rising sun that sets the clouds ablaze with vibrant color.  Unfortunately, pictures simply can't do it justice...

Then there are the serene puffy clouds, not posing not much of a threat but rather playful and somewhat inviting.

Sometimes, when the clouds start boiling upward and form menacing dark towers that scowl and spit and hiss and rumble and flash, I cannot seem to get on the ground fast enough!

I love flying in the clouds as well, especially on days with no turbulence.  The cloud seems to hug the airplane and envelop it with a sense of tranquility.  Suddenly the already small airplane feels minuscule.  It is at times like these that pilots can be lulled into a false sense of security.  Whenever entering the clouds I need to make sure I am ready to fly and dialed in to my training to keep the airplane upright and on the right course to make it safely through to where I can once again see the landscape in front and below.

About that "cloud of witnesses."  A couple of weeks ago we were at the funeral of a friend.  He truly walked with God during his life and allowed God to use him in so many ways to reach those around him and across the world with the love of Jesus.  It is possible that the author of Hebrews was referring to people such as our friend who, like so many who have gone before us, joined the great cloud of witnesses.

In so many ways I think we can also apply this concept of a great or huge "cloud of witnesses" to all of you who have come along side us and partnered with us in this journey that God has called us on.  All of you who are praying for us, supporting and encouraging us in such a variety of ways are all part of a great big cloud of witnesses, cheering us on!  It is a humbling thought...and tremendously uplifting as well.

Thank you!