THE CLOUD

I’ve been at the farm this past week helping before, during, and after a seminar for young moms. This afternoon the last of the team left the farm to return to Moscow.

I am alone.                                                                               

Given this golden opportunity for some solitude after days of chatter, laughter, and the rattling of dishes, I head for the outdoors. The sloping hills in varying shades of brown and rusty green testify that fall is upon us. A gentle breeze kisses the dahlias on the edge of the struggling Kentucky bluegrass lawn. The Russian weeds are winning two to one. Suddenly, I see a white cloud burst up from the horizon. This is not an ordinary cloud, more like a column of white smoke shooting up in the air.

God likes to hide in clouds. In the story of the Exodus, the Israelites were guided by the presence of the Lord in a cloud: “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way and by night in a pillar of fire…” (Exodus 13:21).

Moses experienced the cloud of God’s presence on Mt. Sinai: “He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud” (Exodus 24:16).

After about ten minutes, “my cloud” fades into a gray haze, undoubtedly caused by some field burning.  Nevertheless, I like to think of “my cloud” as a sign of God’s presence and His word to me that I am not alone. He has promised never to leave or forsake me. That’s His promise to you, too! Thank you, Lord!

“…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” Matthew 28:20.