Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sunsets

One of my favorite quotes in life came in a wedding card.

"May your life have enough clouds to make the sunset beautiful."

My great aunt wrote those words in her weak handwriting. I can still see the words on the card as though it was in front of me. A few words, a huge perspective.

I've been thinking about storms. Especially the one's I've been privileged to see on the ocean front. I love standing with my toes in the edge of the ocean feeling the current pulling the sand out to sea. I love watching the lightening reach its long fingers across the sky. And the wind. The cacophony of its notes sends chills down my spine. It is terrifying and beautiful.

There are two things I love after a storm. Watching the sun come out and bathe the land and sea. There are sparkles of life that were absent before the storm. Everything seems magnified in its wake. Beauty for ashes. The dust and dirt are washed away and there is a chance for new life.

The second is walking that same shore to see what new treasure has been washed up. It requires a powerful storm to remake the shoreline. I don't know about you, but my life needs remade and reshaped. Every day.

I was watching the sun set after days of rainy weather. We were heading to my in-laws house when I saw it begin its slow decent. The sun was not visible. There were far to many clouds for that, but through a small break I could see the rays of the sun stretching toward the ground. Without the clouds there would have been nothing to focus my eyes on that one spot. I would have missed the beauty of that moment. Later as we left the clouds were clearing and the sun was hiding behind a long lazily moving cloud. As I watched I was again reminded of the need for clouds to make beauty; the need for dark days to appreciate the light.

I'm thankful. I'm thankful that the sun always shines again. I'm thankful that the Maker of my life finds value in renewing it. I'm thankful that the clouds of these days added to the many storms we have yet to face will make a gorgeous sunset.

I'll pray the same prayer for you if you'd like. Leave me a comment and let me know if there's s storm you are facing or a joy that is radiating through your life. I'd love the privilege of lifting it to the Father with you.

12 comments:

Alexis said...

This is a beautiful post, and one that I needed so much. Thank you for being sensitive to God's impression on your heart. I truly believe that He put this on your heart for me.

Our faith is being tested right now in a situation that would probably bore you, but has broken us. We're kind of sitting back wondering where the next blow is going to come from. We've never been happier than we are right now, but we can feel Satan's oppression so strong.

We're having revival this week, and my husband and I both desperately need to be encouraged. Please pray for us.

So Who Is The Crayon Wrangler? said...

Need, Need...NEEDED THIS. Send a few words up for us during all this transition in our home/s. I especially need some more patience, wisdom and some more humor to help me through the days.

He & Me + 3 said...

Beautiful post. I love the words your Aunt wrote to you. Gorgeous picture too.

Laura said...

Beautiful post Bethany, and I LOVE that quote...never heard it before but it's just perfect!

Hugs,
Laura

Brandi said...

This is a wonderful post. It lifted me up and I definitely need it! I've never heard that quote before either, but it's beautiful.

Amanda said...

Wow... Bethany... you just blow me away with your talent. This is truly uplifting.

I'm talking like... did I read this post in one of Max Lucado's books or something?? NO? You wrote it?? You ROCK!!!

Thank yo for sharing this unique and faithful perspective of His creation!

I feel so lucky to call you friend!

Blessings sweet girl-
Amanda

Marley's Mama said...

Thanks for this great perspective on clouds, Beth. This is what I need, just as we're heading into 6 months of Michigan winter. Love you! Great perspective!

Unknown said...

Beautiful post.

Your offer for prayer has come at the perfect time - just had our son diagnosed as Asperger's / high functioning autism. Not planning to blog about it just now on my blog, but prayers appreciate it. Feeling overwhelmed. I know God is in control and has a plan, but I prefer to be in control myself!

bp said...

Thank you for sharing.

The quote from your aunt made me pause and think. I appreciate the thoughts you shared today. I hadn't really thought of storms like that.

God bless you.
Bethany

Prayer Pals 4 Orphans said...

Just came across your blog at CSAHM. What a great post. I praise the Lord almost daily for the storms that He has allowed in my life. Without some of them I would not even know Him, and the others He has used to help me to grow. It is never fun to face a storm, but it is not scary when we have Him to cling to. For in Him alone we have a hope that we can find nowhere else and knowing Him, we know that the most beautiful rainbows can follow if we ride out the storm with Him at the helm.

Andy and Cari said...

Praying for you today...you and D and the kids...as well as Rick.

Unknown said...

Doug and Bethany and kids, there are no words right now to say what is in my heart; so here is the best I have, we are miles away and wanted you all to know that down here in Texas you have family who loves you all! We pray for God to give you continued strength and complete peace with His will. I will always remember and love my "Genious" Aunt Brenda and I am blessed with special memories of her kind heart, gentle voice and inner strength. I remember as a little girl at her wedding to your dad she was so excited, happy and nice. She showed me how to tie the bows on the rice bags and actually let me help tie them. I did the best I could which looked nothing like hers which was so perfect and pretty, yet she smiled and encouraged me to get tying. She was the most beautiful bride I've ever seen! Then when I meet her baby boy Doug the smile on her face as she showed me was an image I'll hold close to my heart. Yeep, then the twins were again pride, love and such joy as she let me hold Phil with Doug patting his head and giggling. I am forever changed and motivated for knowing her courage to keep going and I know that she is in a better place now where she can finally go back to how God created her, a FREE graceful spirit floating peacefully with the clouds and gentle breaze. We love you all and wish we could be there. All our hugs and kisses, Your Texas Coz Jane and the Reed Family.....