sunrise - sunsetBesides the color and the texture – the absolute enjoyment of how the clouds morph together – it is a creative and artful experience to watch the sun rise and set.

Artists paint them. Poets compose sonnets about them. Writers doodle in their journals while they watch them. Romantics use them as a setting for love.

Each sunrise reminds us of a chance to start over – that God’s mercies are new and his faithfulness continues.

The morning sunrise signals another opportunity to live life with abundance and joy, to make a difference in someone’s hurting life, to offer hope and encouragement even while we drink in the beauty for ourselves.

Each sunset reminds us of the brevity of life. Where did the day go? How is it we are almost into October of this year and soon will greet another sunrise followed by its sunset?

The dusky sunsets also signal an opportunity to look back on the last twenty-four hours. Did I live in abundance and joy? Was I alert for opportunities to be an authentic woman and share God’s love with others? Do I need to confess anything before I go to bed?

My dream house – which I have detailed in my vision journal – will have windows on the east and on the west so that I can enjoy the full panorama of sky, morning and evening.

It is part of my daily worship to meet God in the morning as the sun rises and to praise him for the day past as I revel in the colors of sunset.

Even God enjoys his own creative adventure each morning and evening. “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy” (Psalm 65:8).

I wonder what songs of joy God will sing over this day, when the sun sinks under the western horizon. And what plans does he have for tomorrow’s colorful palette?

Finding that place of joy and enjoyment can be as close as your window pane. Take a moment tomorrow morning and this evening to joy in the patterns and shadings of God’s sky.

Then bow your head before the Eternal Artist who creates something new every day.

©2015 GateWay of Hope