SUNSETS

Since living in Florida for several years, I’ve had opportunities to see many sunsets. Of course, they are beautiful everywhere, but there’s something special about a beach sunset!

I’ve noticed in Florida that at almost any beach, unless it’s raining, people will be there to watch the sunset. They often take lawn chairs, snacks, drinks and make a real occasion out of it. Boats even position themselves to have a good view. At the end of the sunset, an amazing thing often happens. The crowd applauds!

I wonder if these people realize the gorgeous event is a gift from God? In Romans 1:20, the scripture says, “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature– have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that people are without excuse.” Do sunset-watchers see God there?

Recently my husband and I went to Sanibel Island, a few hours south of us. One night we went to the beach to watch the sunset. Many people were dressed very nicely. They had gone to dinner and timed the evening so they would be on the beach in time to watch the sunset.

Despite it being cloudy, which threatened to block the sun, it was very moving to see the number of people who were on the beach. Children ran around playing, live music was in the air from an outdoor restaurant nearby, and viewers talked excitedly. As the sun began to set, all eyes were on it. The beautiful clouds in pastel colors were there, but no sunset was to be seen that night.

The beach-goers were disappointed, but many of them would return the next night. Sunsets are such a gift from God!

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands…” (Psalm 19:1)