Through the tiny slits that were my eyes when I first awoke this morning, I saw a marvelous orange forming in the sky just outside our bedroom window. I jumped from the bed, threw on the first pair of shoes I could find, and ran to the back yard—too excited to even stop to brush my teeth.

This is what I saw when I reached the water’s edge.

December 9, 2011 7:05 am (approximately)

Awestruck, thrilled and cold, I walked back toward the house, intending to capture a quick shot of our pretty Christmas tree lights through the porch window before heading inside. I looked through the viewfinder at the reflection in the glass. What on earth, I thought, and turned back toward the water.

This is what I saw then.

December 9, 2011 7:14 am (approximately)

I have not altered or enhanced either photo. There’s no filter—no Hipstamatic, no Instagram. Not even a crop. This is exactly what God brought to me, literally in my own back yard, this morning.

Thank you, Winn Collier, for your #adventpicaday challenge. It is proof positive that if you simply look, the light will come to you. And it will be glorious.

30 Days of Joy