What do you see in a Sunrise or Sunset?

By Del Duduit

When we take a vacation to the beach, there are some items on our “to-do” list.

The first one refers to last week’s blog – dine at Keegan’s Seafood Grille – twice!

The next one is to obtain a great room with a view. Then walk the beach with some Lemonade from Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill and stroll out for the view from Pier 60.

And last but not least, find a price-buster of the deal on a suit from Jos. A Bank at a mall in Tampa. Check. I’m headed to the seamstress later this week.

But at the top of every beachgoer’s list is the desire to enjoy a fabulous sunrise and sunset.

There is a unique and indescribable warmth when it comes to a sunrise on the water. Last week, Angie and I were privileged enough to spend a few days at Clearwater Beach. We saw magnificent sunrises from our balcony that overlooked the Gulf of Mexico.

One morning we ventured out to eat breakfast on a dock by the bay. A good cup of coffee made the scenery even better. The light became brighter, and we felt the warmth grow stronger as the sun rose higher.

A sunrise is another chance to have a glorious day. It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday because it’s gone. The past is a bygone conclusion.  The former cannot bring joy or misery. The excitement and potential which glistens off the coastal waters are without boundaries. New hope is to awaken with the sun. An opportunity to do something great awaits you.

 

“They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.” Psalm 65:8 KJV

This means your day is filled with awe, and there is no limit to what you can accomplish. Where there is a dawn, there is a song of joy. The Lord has given you another moment.

“And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds, as the tender grass springeth out of the earth by clear shining after the rain.” II Samuel 23:4 

We experienced perfect weather while in Florida. When the sun peeked over from the Eastern horizon, the day was filled with wonderful potential. The birds chirped when they scoured the sea and roamed the beaches as part of our wake-up call. The water splashed in and out in rhythm from off the shore.

A sunrise is God’s way for you to start afresh. Give Him praise.

The sunset is another spectacle which can take away your breath.

People line the beaches in a quest for the “perfect” spot to enjoy the beauty which accompanies the sun going down to summon the night.

There is a unifying peace and calmness when the skies begin to turn bright orange, red and yellow.

The sun pulls the shades and dims the light for us to marvel for a few minutes. When it starts it’s decent and slides into the deep and watery bed, it takes about four to five minutes to say goodnight. The short scene is spectacular. People make specific reservations just to make sure they have a primo spot.

The colors displayed by a sunset are brilliant while the mood is soothing. The seagulls whisper a lullaby while it fades away.

Angie and I sat and finished some ice cream on a covered bench on the white sandy beach when a lady approached. She asked if I would take a picture of her family. She was in charge and knew what she wanted. She had it all mapped out.

“Of course,” I told her. When I finished the task, I asked if she might return the favor. “Gladly,” she fired back.

She put us between the palm trees and snapped a silhouette picture of us as we watched the sun go down.  The trees provided balance to make a phenomenal memory. We loved it. (See the next picture down.)

The sunset is a time to reflect back on how good God is to us each day. He provides us with miracles we don’t even know about. But the next time you watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, consider how the Lord blesses you. He created unimaginable colors in the heavens for us to enjoy and to signal the end of the day.  Never forget how wonderful He has been to you, even in times of trouble.

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3 

He starts and ends the day in utter beauty. What you do in between is up to you. Make the most of the day God has given you.

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 

Find your call and praise Him today. You are not guaranteed another. Enjoy the present wonders now. What did you do today to honor the Lord?

Let me know your thoughts.

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