Stars

I was out on the beach the other night by myself. Sometimes I kind of like spending a little time alone, just collecting my thoughts. I am in no means anti-social or in the pre-stages of becoming a crazy hermit that lives in a cabin in the woods by myself. But just here lately it seems like those alone times in which I truly connect with God have been few and far between. It's so easy just to get wrapped up in everything going on and everyone around you, but sometimes it can be good just to sit back and rest.

Back to the beach story, so it was night, I was alone, and I was on the beach. The stars seemed unusually bright that night, partially because of the lack of clouds getting in the way. Also, the moon was not out. That's what they call a New moon. (Why 'new' moon? I mean I get 'full' moon but not 'new' moon. They should have used 'no' moon or 'absentee' moon.) Well, I laid back and tried to count the stars. I could not. There were too many. Some were brighter than others; some seemed to be closer together.

I was immediately reminded of the verse. But I had to go look it up later because though I may remember the emphasis of the verse, I am terrible at memorizing.
Psalm 8:3 "I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?" (The Message)

These things than shine in the night sky, these things that God says He can count each one and give them a name. These wonderful things He views as less important than we are. He can fashion such wonderful and awe inspiring things as stars but He still concerns Himself with us. Why? I know that sometimes I can be so stubborn. I can be selfish. I screw up so many times. I can be rude, unforgiving, and non chivalrous. ( I really hate it when I am non chivalrous.) Right now I am kicking myself because I recently acted like a total jerk to someone. Yet, despite all of our flaws, even though sometimes we don't shine as bright as the stars, God still wants a relationship with us.

Amazing.

I also thought about this while I looked at the stars. Every star had its own place in the night sky. Each one occupied its own territory. Some shined brighter than others. Some were closer together than others. But each one shined. And each one had it's role to play in being apart of the darkened sky. For a moment the stars reminded me of people. Not certain people per se, but just people in general. How we each have our own place in life. (insert cliche/cheesy sentence next) How we each have the ability to shine in our own way. How that even though we are all different individuals, we all are connected. We are all part of some larger story.

And then I thought of those people who live in a state of feeling alone. Those who would like to connect, but just don't know how. Those who feel like they are the dimmest in the sky. I guess these are the people who need to be shone the love of God.