PHS 2214: Meteorology.  Since I waited until my last semester of my senior year of college to complete my science requirements, there were slim pickings.  PHS 2214 and I quickly developed a love-hate relationship.  I loved my professor, Dr. Straight.  He was a kind man who was more than patient with my utter lack of ability to process just about anything he said.  What I didn't like was anything that involved the word "science".  I spent the semester desperately trying to understand how much daylight was in Alaska on a given day of the year based on the earth's simultaneous rotation on its axis and around the sun.  (I now have a dear friend who lives in Alaska.  If only I'd known her then, the outcome of PHS 2214 would have likely been much different!).  Dr. Straight need not despair, however.  I do remember one thing from the course:  the lesson on clouds and shadows.  I probably remember this material the best because it didn't involve any intense discussion about the earth rotating on its axis! 

As clouds vary in their type, so does our response to them.  For example, cumulus clouds are puffy cotton ball like clouds that provide lots of entertainment for children searching out the shapes of ice cream cones, horses, and blocks of cheese in them.  Yet, when they grow upward, cumulus clouds develop into cumulonimbus clouds which are thunderstorm clouds.  We respond much differently to the darkness of this cloud.  Cloud shadows are just as varied and can evoke joy as well as fear. 

A shadow is "a dark figure or image cast on the ground or some surface by a body intercepting light."  The shadows cast by cumulus clouds could very well provide shade on a warm day whereas the shadows cast by cumulonimbus clouds may very well indicate the need to take cover.

Many of us carry with us life experiences that are shadows cast by cumulonimbus clouds.  Often these shadows are not the result of anything that was within our control--especially if they happen when we are children.  For me, the enduring shadows were depression and shame.  Before I understood how much God cares for me, I was lost in a sea of despair and the thought that something was wrong with me as a person--that I was a mistake. Shame is a powerful thing--it presses down upon us in ways that can render us powerless for God.  The shadow of shame has some serious stick-to-itiveness!  Fortunately, there is more than one definition of a shadow.

A shadow can also provide protection and shelter.  This is the kind of shadow that we find cast by our Father God.  Consider this take on shadows:

• Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings ~ Psalm 17:8

• How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings ~ Psalm 36:7

• Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed ~ Psalm 57:1

• Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings ~ Psalm 63:7

• He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty ~ Psalm 91:1

The godly version of shadows is far from the thunderstorm cloud.  God longs to cover us with His protection.  The shadow He casts upon us is one of enduring grace and mercy.  There is no room for the shadow of shame in God's kingdom:  "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1).    I have found God to be my perfect protector from those shadows that seek to cast doubt, anxiety, and a myriad of other lies over my life.  I don't always remember this truth when I need to, but I am so very grateful that God doesn't change like the shifting shadows (James 1:17).  His shadow is consistent, safe, and endearing. 

It's a good thing that I don't have to comprehend how the earth rotates on its axis and around the sun at the same time in order to understand the godly version of shadows. 

With defiant joy!

Susan

p.s.  While it was by no means a stellar performance, I did pass meteorology class. You see, my friends, God is gracious!