a sunset reflection

a friend recently made a comment that got me thinking. they had taken notice of my daily routine of catching the sunset by the water. i just smiled, since i hadn’t even realized i was doing it, but then again i can’t remember the last time i’ve missed one. in the last few years, it’s gradually moved towards the top of my list of daily priorities.

before fully taking in the beauty before me, i like to look to the right & left as well. i notice that i am not the only one drawn to it. whether sitting on the beach, standing on the cliffs, or laying on a board in the water, the gaze of each person is directed upon the painting that is slowly appearing on the canvas of sky & sea. most everyone is still. it’s a place of rest, a presence of peace.

& it always puts a smile on my face. sometimes a laugh too. people just naturally gravitate towards sunsets. i like to think that the painter himself, is giving us each an opportunity, everyday, to draw near to him. an open invitation to all people, giving a small glimpse of the rest we can have by simply being in his presence.

i recently came across this quote that i haven’t been able to stop thinking about.

“only as we drink down the kindness of the heart of christ will we leave in our wake, everywhere we go, the aroma of heaven, & die one day having startled the world with glimpses of divine kindness too great to be boxed in by what we deserve.” paul ortland

i see glimpses of that divine kindness in sunsets. an aroma of heaven, a longing for eternity, & if you’re open to it, you might just encounter the artist himself.

romans 1:20