GOD SPEAKS THROUGH A ROCK?

GOD SPEAKS THROUGH A ROCK?

I was climbing up the mountain yesterday at sunrise to beat the day’s triple-digit temps. My mood was anxious and foul. There have been three fires in two weeks affecting friends and family in my town. COVID-19 cases are still peaking here in Arizona. And peaceful protests have been disrupted by violent destruction and looting throughout the state. Too much negativity at one time for my soul to take.

Hiking is a sacred place for me to talk to God. In my personal pity party, I was able to mutter the start of a prayer as I lunged up a steep ascent. “Heavenly Father - I’m not feeling it today.” I hoped He could read my heart because words felt like too much effort.

Minutes later on the rocky trail, I noticed a colorful object out of the corner of my eye. It was partially concealed under a bush and barely visible. A little rock painted blue with two words.

BE HAPPY

Instantly my heart softened and I bowed my head in reverence for exactly what I needed that day. You may call this a coincidence, but I don’t. There are glimmers of peace and hope in obscure places, and it’s up to us to notice them. They come in all forms and in unlikely spaces. The lesson that day on the mountain was real to me and maybe to you as well. A tender communication meant as a steadfast reminder.

HAPPINESS is a choice.

HAPPINESS is sometimes simply feeling the gratitude for blessings already given.

And HAPPINESS is knowing that God is in the details of our lives.