She had stood among shimmering camera flashes that were almost as brilliant as her smile.  The crowd applauded as she took yet another bow, blowing kisses of appreciation to those who had exploded in cheers below.  Her frame was stunning, but all the more radiant as light had sent luminous reflections from her sequenced dress into the dark, but lively audience.  It was a night she would never forget...one that may never be repeated in her life time.  Everyone would remember the impactful moments for years, perhaps decades to come.  She reflected on the exhilarating joy and overwhelming sense of acceptance as she contemplated what had occurred only a few hours before.  It had been difficult to take in...more like a fantasy or fairy tale, and certainly her own Cinderella story.

Now the curtain had closed.  Autographs had been signed.  Escorts had taken her to and from the celebration parties and the limousine had driven away.  She had been walked safely to her very glamorous room, where all the comforts one could afford would be at her service.  She slid open the door to a soft-lit balcony and gazed across the twinkling city.  The activity below was quieted from where she stood.  The sounds of people disappeared.  The lights had moved to other places and she found herself confronted with a mirror of reality.  What was looking back frightened her.  Though she had found companionship in the faces of multitudes, she had not one to confide in.  There were many who had heard her voice, but the one who would listen to her heart seemed no where near.  It was as if the dark, endless sky only mocked the void that accompanied her.  Lights and faces had been her friend.  Fame and challenge her partner.  There in the dark, she felt their absence and became painfully aware of emptiness.  

This story is just - a story.  No particular person....unless it is you in some way.  There are many who have tasted what it is like to be recognized as a "followed" person.  Many who have natural leadership abilities or who are gifted with social skills or talents that others admire.  Those are greatly loved - and greatly scorned by self-seeking souls who might jealously wish those qualities could be confiscated for themselves.

Maybe you have not had fame or beauty.  Maybe you have felt a desire, but lack of talent or gift that you could offer to others around you.  Maybe you have never had a moment of recognition or appreciation.  Maybe, in fact, your life has been hard, troubled, or even filled with tragedy or sadness.

Whatever your allotment, you can be assured of one thing:  There will be moments where the blur of life comes into focus and you find yourself standing in front of the same mirror that the person in the story faced.  It will not matter at that point who you are or where you have been.  Fame, fortune and poverty alike will dim there.  You will suddenly stare at what is and what is not most important.  Many will conclude that earthly possessions are the answer.  Some will retreat back into confusion, depression or even addiction.  Wise seekers will discover something higher.  They will look beyond this tossing world and get glimpses of a hope that is eternal.  Something of an anchor will become slightly visible.  They will then run to find the answers in the only One who truly provides them.  

This life is fleeting.  Trials are many, whether you have stable or stress-filled circumstances; riches or extreme need. Though poverty is achingly a reality, wealth often becomes a mask covering far deeper torments.  Life will always bring challenges. It is short.  Temporary.  There is a reason we are brought to ponder the possibility of an eternal God.  There is a design that draws us to His presence, where He might love and nourish us with heavenly food and endless fountains.  There is a Savior who paid a real price for our searching souls...who did so to point us beyond the darkness and into a new light that does not disappoint.  One whose curtain never closes and through whom hunger is always soothed.

Lord, take hurting hearts who seek You today and show them promise.  May there be hope for the searchers and rest for the struggling.  Help us to lean in to Your warm embrace and know the joy of Your presence.