Scripture Reading: He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11
One of my favorite things to do is watch the sunset. Sunrises are great too because it feels like a gentle wake up from God. It’s like He is saying “Good morning, welcome to this new day I created for you.” A sunset, though, is such a bold and beautiful reminder that He has guided us through another day with Him. It’s one more gift from Him before my day is over.
Sunsets are beautiful but they are not created equal. Have you ever seen a sunset after a storm? They have some of the most stunning colors I have ever seen. I love a good storm too! Sitting in the living room listening to the rain and thunder while watching the lightning can be relaxing. I know I am weird in saying this but...I even like it when the power goes out. With no power you have no choice but to sit and pay attention to what is going on around you. I love it! A storm can be cool and scary at the same time. Especially when you are in it. There can be a lot of power behind it. And with that power comes the uncertainty of what could happen.
This is why we use storms to describe life. There are times when beautiful weather is predicted but a storm comes out of nowhere and causes major destruction. It’s the same with life. Life can be all good and then a storm comes out of nowhere. A friend moves, a job is lost, a child is sick, a spouse leaves, a parent dies, or countless other things that make us feel like our life is falling apart. Life can change in the blink of an eye just like the weather.
You want to know the best part of a storm and life? There is usually someone there during and after the storm that wants to help and make things better. Look for them and let them help. As silly as it sounds...let them be your sunset. Let them add beauty to your storm. You won’t regret it!
Over the past year I have been reminded of just how much beauty I actually have in my life. Last year was tough! There was lots of pain and tears. There was also a lot of love and hope. I lost 3 very important people in my life and my friends and family surrounded me with that love and hope even in the middle of a pandemic. They covered me in prayer and helped me find some joy. They helped me to see the sunset after my storm. I will forever be thankful to them for that. I pray you have someone in your life to add beauty to it.
“God, Help us to see the beauty you place in our lives. We know it may not always be as obvious as the bold and beautiful colors that are in the sky after a storm. Help us to see it in the smile of a stranger. A kind word from an acquaintance. A hug from a friend or family member. You know we are going to go through hard times but you also know who will be there in those moments when we need them. Help us to see them and let them help! Better yet help us notice opportunities to be the beauty in someone else’s life! Amen!”