...and every sunset hold more peace

I've always been fascinated with sunsets.  

I love watching the sun go down and soaking in the different colors.

I find it all very peaceful and somewhat magical. 

Last Monday I went to Lakeside for a few reasons. I had hoped that attending opening worship of the East Ohio Annual Conference would be up lifting. Last year I had the honor of being a part of the service and while I longed to be up there again this year, I was hoping my soul would be moved without touching the piano and without hundreds hearing my voice. 

Another reason I went was because my Uncle Mike would be there. I don't see my Uncle Mike too often but I hear from him when he texts a daily bible verse. We created some wonderful memories last summer during Annual Conference, so while I was looking forward to sometime alone, I was also looking forward to spending time with him. 

Lastly, I was looking forward to watching the sunset. 

Last summer I was absolutely amazed by the beauty shown across the sky as the sun set into Lake Erie. I would make my way to the pier well before it set because I loved to watch the whole play, not just the final scene. You enjoy the final moments of the sunset so much more if you see and remember where it was coming from. 

When I first got down to the pier (around 7) I was afraid that I was going to be disappointed in the sunset. It looked like there were some clouds that may get in the way. But I wasn't giving up hope just yet. 

I sat there, reading my book (C. S. Lewis' "A Grief Observed") and glancing up every few minutes to see how the portrait was changing. 

Don't get me wrong, it was turning out to be a nice sunset, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling a little disappointed. 

It wasn't quite what I wanted. 

I wanted to feel more, to see more... I wanted more. 

And it was at that moment, when the sun had set, that I looked up and saw God paint a most gorgeous scene.  It was as if He heard me and replied "Don't stop looking too soon. What you've already seen was beautiful, but the best is yet to come."

And it was beautiful and breathtaking. All the colors you can imagine, vivid and bright yet soothing and peaceful. It was in this moment I felt God reminding me that life isn't over, that I can't "stop watching"

Easier said than done, right?!

I kept hearing over and over again in my head a quote that got us through our last few days in the hospital - "May every sunrise hold more promise and every sunset hold more peace."

I know that we will continue to have rough and difficult days. I know that this isn't an easy road and that somedays will seem more difficult than others. But it's during those times that I will cling to that Sunset and the peace it gives just as I will cling to the Sunrise and the hope and promise it brings. 

In some ways, it's just like being in the hospital on bed rest, celebrating every day. And when a day seems overwhelming, celebrating an hour - or if need be - the moment. 

One moment, one hour, one day at a time...and I'll say a prayer of thanks for every one of them!