During a recent sermon, my pastor showed us a picture like the one above. Although this was not the point of his message, I began to wonder if it was a picture of a sunset or a sunrise? The only way to know is if I knew the position of the photographer taking the photo. Was this person facing east or west?
Like me, many people are curious whether a photo is a sunrise or sunset. Using a search on Google, I even found a website with a quiz, testing the ability to identify whether the posted photos were sunrises or sunsets.
This got me thinking about sunrises and sunsets and the spiritual opportunities they provide. Here’s my little quiz for you.
When I’m stressed, which has been a lot lately, which way am I facing? Am I facing toward the presence and power of the Son of God? Or am I facing toward the problem and my lack of control and ability to solve it? Unfortunately, I confess, too often it is the latter.
- Which direction do you face when immersed in the stresses of daily life?
Some people think sunsets are lovelier than sunrises. To me, they are both beautiful. I especially appreciate one when I slow down long enough to savor it. A favorite activity on my annual summer beach trip is to sit in my beach chair, bury my toes in the sand and delight in the view. One morning this year, my friend Christy and I were snuggled in our jackets, in our chairs on a public beach, waiting for the sunrise. Seconds before the sun peeked its head above the horizon, we witnessed an amazing dolphin show right in front of us. About twenty playful mammals breached and waved their tails. As if on cue, the sun rose right behind them, making this sunrise especially memorable.
- Do you take a few moments every now and then to appreciate one of God’s spectacular sunrises or sunsets?
Another day on my recent trip, four of us sat together on a different beach, waiting for the sun to set. Several other people were still on the beach too, sitting, playing sand games or wading in the water. When the sun finally dropped below the horizon, one man behind us began to clap and hoot loudly. Apparently, his friend was not as impressed. With disdain I heard him say, “What’s the big deal? It’s only a sunset.” He missed the amazing moment and miracle of God’s creation.
As Psalm 113:3 ESV reminds us, “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!”
- Do you take a sunrise or sunset for granted or are you filled with wonder and joy, praising God for his creation?
In case you are wondering, the picture above was taken several weeks ago around 6 am. It is a sunrise.
