We instinctively protect ourselves when we figuratively extend our prickly exterior. Let us also remember that the Lord is our Shepherd who is always protecting us and leading us. (Psalm 23:4)

May we all be united in love and humility towards each other and to God. (Philippians 2:10)

God created the sun (Genesis 1:16). He created, and is above, all nature. He is super-natural. There is even an account in the Old Testament whereby God delayed the sun setting to enable Joshua the leader of the Israelites, and his army, win a battle which needed to be fought during daylight hours. (Joshua 10:12-15)

I have linked the picture of a giant paper clip to us being united in God and Christ. (John 17:21 "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." )

Sometimes we need pressure in our lives to change us to, to better us. "As Iron sharpens iron; so one person sharpens another". (Proverbs 27:1) "... because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope". (Romans 5:3-4)

"For everything there is a season" (Ecclesiastes 3:1) "One sows and another reaps ..." (John 4:37) "So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow". (1 Corinthians 3:7). We can all humbly play our part in God's Kingdom.

The story of Jonah being swallowed by a whale and surviving three days and three nights in its belly is miracle enough but another part of the miracle is the timing of the whale in being able to swallow Jonah as soon as he went overboard. God's timings are always perfect. (Jeremiah 29:11-12; Lamentations 3:25-26; Proverbs 3:5)

Jesus offers us amazing rest and peace which we cannot find in this world alone. (John 14:1;27)

The bulbs still exist from which the cut tulips came, the loved one whose visit is over is still a loved one, the sun is rising elsewhere when setting here and continues to rise every day. Let us remember that God is permanent and unchanging. (Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Malachi 3:6; Matthew 24:35)