PART 5. “A Front Row Seat”
Photos by Shelley Reed
In the Fall of 2024, my family and I took a weekend trip to the beach in Galveston, Texas. As I woke up one morning, an incredibly beautiful sunrise canopied over the gulf. The photos above shows an object that would cause me to deeply reflect on my spiritual walk and represents my motivation for sharing this story.
I noticed a battleship sitting just above the horizon. The scene was breathtaking. I began thinking, “if I had stayed in bed, I would have missed the view of the sunrise and the passing ship. Likewise, if I had been in the coffee shop nearby, where I started my morning, I still would have also missed it!” However, by God’s intervening hand, I instead chose to step outside and sit on the park bench where I could feel the sun’s heat and catch a glimpse of its radiance. Then the battleship came closer into focus. As it sailed along the horizon before the backdrop of the rising sun, I realized that the sun and the bottom of the ship perfectly aligned so that it looked like the ship was literally sitting on top of the sun! For a few short minutes, I had thought that I had the best view, but it was at that moment that I realized it actually was the ship that had the front row seat!
This experience with God inspired me to start this blog. I was reminded of the times as a young Christian when I chose the confines of the metaphorical coffee shop or the shadows of my bedroom, because it was safe or comfortable. Predictable or routine. I shrunk my relationship with Jesus into methodical religion rather than a living, vibrant relationship with the God of the universe. As a result, I am sure there were times where I missed the miracle. As I have gotten older, I have learned to–literally and figuratively–venture out to the park bench so I can truly experience His awesome handiwork and providential plan.
But then there have been a few of those amazing moments as I trudged through life’s challenges where I experienced Him in such a real way–that I truly had a front row seat. Those encounters changed me. I now have a deep desire for everyone to share with him this intimacy as I have. Maybe even from the front row.
Psalm 34:8 (ESV)
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Edited and Assisted in writing post: Emmi Schakat
Love this! First commenting to see if you get it since you are testing these things out and I want to support you ,but also wanting to let you know how much I appreciate your vulnerability and testimony but also that it’s concise enough for someone to read quickly and think about it before starting their day. 🤗 looking forward to these weekly!
Lots of love! Thanks for all your encouragement and for helping me with some of the admin! 🙂 Definitely not my strength! 🙂
I so miss you and your wisdom. I especially miss your laugh. You have a powerful story and I’m so thankful God has brought you through. I hope we can reconnect in person soon. (Since we are both in the same state- I think). Please keep writing. I’m coming out of a season myself and you are such an encouragement.
I miss you too my friend! We definitely have to connect! Thanks for supporting my blog!
Good morning, Shelley. Just to let you know I’ve received this and loved the message. Glad you’ve decided to do this. Love and miss you
Peg Olsen
Thank you for allowing God to stretch you beyond your comfort zone. Your wisdom given to you by the Lord, has been a blessing to me personally and grateful that you are able to share with others. Thank you for your story.