Pastels

Once you have experienced Florida pastels you will never forget.  No, I am not talking about the color of the houses in south Florida, or the dominate shades for accessories and casual clothing.  When I think of Florida pastels I think of the rich colors found in the sky at sunrise, sunset, or even following some of the storms.  The colors are gorgeous, wonderful, peaceful, awesome, and perfectly still.  Usually they are all these things at the same time.  It isn’t enough to hear someone describe the event, see the pale imitations, or even read about them; you need to experience the colors.
 
Last night I saw them, if only for a few moments at sunset.  Yes, I know I am in southern California.  Yes, I know California doesn’t have pastels.  Yet they were here!  In the moment I found myself transported to a place of peace and wonder.  It was as if my soul stilled and knew an awesome God was involved in your life and mine, offering gifts of peace to anyone willing to accept.
 
I know it is hard to believe.  There is much in life that falls under the heading “difficult to understand, even more difficult to accept”.  For centuries people have struggled with the unbelievable.  Even those close to Jesus were not immune.  The fact is that “Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.  The other disciples told him, ‘We saw the Master.’
 
But he said, ‘Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it.’” (John 20.24, 25)  Simply put, he didn’t believe.
 
I wish everyone knew, understand, and could accept the values of compassion, mercy, and unconditional acceptance.  Until they do, I know two things.
 
First, I need to accept and experience every instance, as much as possible, and no matter how fleeting.
 
Second, I need to give – fully, completely and without hesitation – to any and all.
 
The pastels were and are beautiful.