Week 2.45: Ethereal

Week 2.45: Ethereal is a photo of a dying rose that was sunning in the Page's kitchen. I love how the light shows off the veins and the curling petals. I love the reflection in the window and on the counter. I love the contrast of the dark & light.

I love that there is substance in something undergoing decay. It kind of goes along with the Special Deluxe idea I posted last. Glory is past...and yet glory of another sort rushes in.

All manner of things have been swirling in my heart and mind and life as of late. Lots of it Ethereal and surreal. And yet, somehow, of great substance and magnitude and magnificence.

Something Ethereal was shared this past weekend at my church. The leader/founder of the denomination is in his autumn. His name is Chuck. Amazing that in his 80's his eyes still sparkle and his voice still resounds. His joyful smile still permeates his intonations. His steps have slowed, though. He's getting ready to move on from this life.

And what is the message of a man in his autumn staring winter in the face? This: All manner of times pass. Good, bad and ugly. Sweet and bittersweet. We don't always know how or why it's all coming down the way it is. But there is hope!

The Ethereal has substance.

"...I still belong to you (God);
you are holding my right hand.
You will keep on guiding me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever."
~Psalm 73:23-26 NLT

Chuck says his comfort is in God holding his right hand. Chuck's grip might slip, but God's grip never does.

Ethereal is actually Eternal.