It was a glorious morning at Myrtle Beach as we drove a few miles up Kings Highway to Brookgreen Gardens. My son Jeff and his wife Stephanie were taking me there for a belated birthday present. The first time I had been to Brookgreen was on my honeymoon. That was many moons ago—1961 to be exact–and I was certain it had changed. I was right.

The welcome statue was the same, but beyond the entrance, it was very different. Everything was organized. Tour guides escorted guests through the grounds and explained the history of the gardens. A boat ride took us out to the former plantations and rice fields. Animals and birds were abundant as the grounds are a wildlife preserve.

We even saw a fox squirrel—a creature I had never seen before! Strange looking little fellow! Larger than most squirrels, he had a black mask. Cute!

Next, we took a tour of the grounds. There were hundreds of stunning views and wonderful statues, many no doubt taking years to create in the hands of world renowned sculptors.

Then I saw it—my very favorite of all the 2,000 pieces there! The Wings of the Morning!  One of my favorite chapters in the Bible—my go-to chapter when I’m feeling insignificant or discouraged—is Psalm 139.  Marshall M. Fredericks had captured verses 7-10 in bronze. Amazing!

“I can never escape from your Spirit!
    I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
    if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
    if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
    and your strength will support me.” (Psalm 139:7-10 NLT)

All week my mind drifted back to the message captured so beautifully sitting atop a reflection pool–man held in God’s palm as he and two swans fly into the morning! Magnificent! A bit of internet research revealed that the sculptor had chosen swans because they are the Nordic symbol of spirit and symbolize eternal life. How appropriate.

 

Later in the week, as if in some mysterious response to our Brookgreen experience, our family decided to soar into the heavens, too, as we took our very first helicopter ride. It was exhilarating.

Though afraid of heights, I had no fear. In fact, I thought it amusing that my granddaughter Kaity’s t-shirt said, “Don’t panic!” And I didn’t. I envisioned myself resting in the hand of God—just like the man flying on the Wings of the Morning.

As we looked out at the beautiful sights and the ocean below, I was enthralled–not afraid. Psalm 139 resonated once again in my mind,  and I was reminded that “if I go up to heaven, He is there. If I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. ”

What an awesome God we serve! He cares for us wherever we go—land, sea, sky! His promises say it all:

“For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13 NLT)

“See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:16 NLT)

What encouraging promises!

What about you? Ever experienced the thrill of riding “on the wings of the morning?”  If so, I’d love to hear from you! Your comments are always welcome. Many blessings.