I wanted to share a sweet experience I had recently. My husband and I took a trip last March/April to many fabulous places. One of the places we visited was Lake Tekapu, New Zealand.
We stayed in a beautiful cabin right along the edge of the most peaceful, picturesque lake.
Lake Tekapu is in a very remote location and is known for the most amazing stargazing. We only stayed there for two nights, but we were so excited to see all the amazing stars. The first night, we were disappointed when the clouds rolled in and stayed, covering our view. Around midnight, a couple clouds parted and some stars were able to peek through so we got a small glimpse of the magnificent display hiding behind the clouds.
We were hoping we would get the full view on our last night. The next night, sadly, the clouds were even thicker and no stars were visible. Having seen a small preview the night before, we were sad not to be able to see the full effect of a sky full of stars. But we had a long day of travel the next day, so around midnight, we gave up hope that the clouds would part and we went to bed.
Around 5:00 a.m., I suddenly woke up. I was still so tired that I could hardly move, but I found enough energy to check my phone to see what time it was. It was dark & cold outside and I was still so sleepy, but the thought came to me that I should go outside to see if I could perhaps see the stars. My body's desire for more sleep wrestled with my heart's desire to possibly see the stars and just as sleep was about to win, a voice in my mind said: "Get up. I have opened the sky for you. This is your last chance to see it."
With newfound motivation, I got out of bed and went outside into the cold night. There displayed before me was the most magnificent array of stars I had ever seen. I couldn't believe it. Not a cloud in sight. Just stars. The whole heaven twinkled like glitter spilled on the black sky. I quickly went back in the cabin to wake my husband so he could experience it too. We laid under the stars for about 30 minutes. I even saw my first shooting star and it was breathtaking!
My heart swelled with joy to be allowed to see what we had longed to see. And my joy was magnified tenfold at the thought that my Heavenly Father knew the desire of my heart, He knew me, He was aware of me, and He wanted to bless me with this gift to see His glorious creations.
Laying among the stars that early morning, I felt so small and insignificant among the majesty of these celestial lights. But I also felt seen and known in a way I can't fully describe. I am just one small being among countless others of God's creations, yet these stars were witnesses to me that night that God knew me, loved me and wanted to give me every good thing. He opened the sky for me and woke me up to see it.
My desire to see the stars wasn't anything of eternal importance really, but this experience was a reminder to me that God is involved in our lives even in the small details that don't seem to be of eternal consequence. Seeing the stars wasn't of eternal import, but recognizing that God knows me and loves me is. I'm so grateful for all the many times He has shown me that in my life.
He made this beautiful world for us because He wants us to have joy and beauty here. He delights to make our dreams and wishes come true. He knows what our dreams and wishes are. He is the giver of every good thing. I'm so grateful for Heavenly Parents who love us and are aware of us. They see us and know us. They want to be known by us.
Wake up for God. He has amazing things to show you too.
