Adios and New Beginnings

Of all the naturally beautiful occurrences we mortals have the privilege of beholding during our time spent on this majestic, awe-inspiring, adventure-calling third rock from the sun known affectionately as Earth, the ones most readily available to all people in all corners are the early morning and late evening displays of various colors across the sky – the sunrise and sunset. Photographers have attempted to capture the majesty of them for others to enjoy and admire. Writers have tried to describe the color, emotion, and beauty of the moment with words that seem to unwaveringly  fall short of the first-hand experience. Perhaps one of my favorite author lines describing the sunrise comes from Homer’s classic, The Odyssey, where the blind poet quips, “When the young dawn with fingertips of rose lit up the sky in the East…” I love that! Now think with me for a moment…why is it that so many are so enamored, infatuated, intrigued by these naturally occurring phenomena? Could it be that in those fleeting moments when we behold the beauty of this created world that our minds are overridden by our spirit and our creator has our full attention?

We know from the first chapter of the book of Romans that God does indeed use His creation to reveal Himself to us, the only part of His creation that is made in His image. That is true of all people in all places. For the remainder of this short writing, I would like to simply relate to you the thoughts that have been implanted into my mind as I observe the rising and setting of the big ball of fire that allows life to be sustained here on our dear old Earth…

First, I give full disclosure: I am an early riser. I like to get up and get going so I can get done what needs to be done. I’m not knocking all the late sleepers out there, but I will simply say that Proverbs 6:10 and 24:33 point out that sleeping late is way over-rated! Just saying! Now – back to the point…As an early riser, I have an abundance of quiet moments to just look, be quiet, and listen…man, aren’t those some things that have become out-of-the-ordinary in our social media, technology driven society?! As I look, my eyes tell me that the beauty I see is no accident – there is a designer responsible for the design (Genesis 1:1). As I quietly listen, I physically hear the birds sing, the leaves rattle in the wind, and here in Louisiana, the mosquitoes buzz in my ear! But the hearing is deeper than just the physical. Beyond the sound waves vibrating across my eardrum are the communication waves of the Eternal God that speak to my soul. No matter what obstacle life has thrown my way, I can rejoice in the fact that God’s mercies are made new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). With the rising of the sun, I am aware that today is a new day, and God is in control. As I heard it said once: Tomorrow is a mystery; yesterday is history; Today is a gift from God – that’s why it’s called the present! Each new day is an opportunity to experience the goodness of our good, good God.

Now what about sunsets? Can there possibly be any spiritual lessons imparted into our psyche through the observance of a day’s end? Without a doubt! I don’t know about you, but there are times when I just want a situation to come to an end. Before Time Square ever invented the famous “Ball Drop” to say goodbye to the old year and hello to a new one, God Almighty invented sunsets to allow us to wave “Adios” to this present day that was filled with trouble and tribulation (John 16:33; Job 14:1) in anticipation of a new day that will offer the new mercies spoken of in the paragraph above. There’s something about the sunset that allows us to breathe a sigh of relief and catch a breath of fresh air all at the same time. God knows we are only human (Psalm 103:14), and in that knowledge, He lavishly extends His grace of new beginnings and His mercy of trials ending.

Next time you get a chance (that next chance will happen today!), take the time to watch the sun come up or go down. Tune everything else out and tune in to the Creator that gives us these glimpses of beauty. Allow God’s peace to remind you that, as my Granny would say, “This too shall pass.” and be comforted with the fact that tomorrow is a new day. Whether watching a sunset, sunrise, or somewhere in-between, I’ll see you in the Great Outdoors!