Stars,
brilliant, glowing,
twinkling orbs
of low thump, gloss glitter.
Each individual, together,
a constellation dancing
in community.

Stars,
shine in darkness,
there 
for my watchful wonder,
beauty glimmer against
charcoal gray.
There, to guide my steps,
to show me the way.

Have I paused to glance up
and breathe without a sound?

Have my words gotten in the way
of a silent gaze at God?

Have I noticed the constant
glory watching over me nightly?

Stars,
among the heavens,
floating in the East, there,
since the beginning.
A sign for wise pilgrims
to follow, a symbol
of abundant joy.

Stars,
pulled to earth, captured,
reduced to stickers.
Their beauty stolen,
lessened to a rating system
of our goodness
and performance.

How has such awe
become about human trifling?

Stars,
worthy of pause,
gazing up,
breathing deep,
exhaling,  “Wow.”
Noticing abundance,
receiving delight.

How far I am from the stars.
How I long to be taken by them.

---

To Ponder:

“Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
– Matthew 2:7-10

Take time this week on a clear night to head outdoors during the evening and gaze up. Notice the glory shining over us each night and ponder the idea these are the same stars the wise men followed.

Book Recommendation:
In this fun child’s tale by Max Lucado, we are reminded that we are loved beyond the “stars” (accomplishments) or “dots” (tarnishes) placed on us by others. We are loved by an immense God.
You Are Special by Max Lucado