If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1-2

The past few days have brought with them plenty of sunshine, beautiful skies and pleasant temperatures. They have been the sort of days bathed in what we sometimes call “chamber of commerce weather.” Have you ever noticed how chamber of commerce weather lifts attitudes among people? Smiles seem more prevalent and people seem to have a “sunny” disposition. Life is cheerful and bright when the skies are clear and sun is shining down. But such days don’t last forever.

This morning, daybreak brought with it heavy dark clouds and few breaks in the otherwise grey skies. The forecast indicates the probably of rain lasting well into tomorrow. Already, having driven into work and meeting a few people I have noticed a change in the sunny disposition. Life seems a little more difficult, a bit more serious and for some perhaps just a little worrisome. What happened? Is it because the world all of a sudden became more sullen? Or could it be that people just seem to enjoy light over darkness?

The same thing happens to the people of God. As we continue living in the light of God’s grace, we see the world differently. With our eyes fixed on the love of God, the compassion of Christ and the peace of the Holy Spirit, Christians cannot help but live with the joy of God’s salvation and reflect the light of Christ upon those whom we encounter. Sharing the love of God through sharing our faith becomes second nature and there just seems to be a little more bounce in our step. Yet, just as the weather changes, so also our focus on Christ.

It isn’t long that the gaze of some is turned away from God and life in His kingdom. Earthly distractions beg our attention and often lead in a direction opposite from God’s desires. As these things happen, the joy of our salvation is often overshadowed by the worry of our earthly existence. For this reason, the apostle Paul reminds the people of God to fix their eyes upon heavenly things seeking the love of God, the compassion of Christ and the peace of the Holy Spirit.

Living the life of discipleship is filled with such joy that no shadow can overcome it. Even as dark clouds and threatening skies bring with them the probability of storms, the light of Christ continues to conquer the darkness. With our attention fixed heavenward, the people of God never lose sight of the promise of God’s mercy and grace, and we continue to live in the light of Christ and the joy of our salvation.

I wonder how many, remembering the promise of our heavenly father, kept their gaze turned heavenward this morning and through the break in the clouds saw His rainbow?

Photo credit: This morning my daughter took this photo as she met in prayer with her friends before school.