January 06, 2012

Sunrise, Sunset

I sometimes wonder if I am looking at the sunrise or sunset of a life event. Is it just the beginning of the circumstance, or am I looking at the end? 
As with the above photo, only the one taking the picture knows the exact time of day. However as observers, we can look for clues. The lighter blue sky would denote a sunrise, although I have seen some sunsets with similar colors as well. I have also realized that my mood will often dictate my perception. When I am joyful, I would be inclined to declare it a sunrise full of  hope and new expectations. If I am sorrowful, or stressed, I would choose sunset in hopes of being at the end of the event and looking forward to a time of rest.  So  much of life is in this in between stage, not quite sure if our circumstances are really beginning or ending. 

As I have grown in my faith, I have chosen to just sit back and enjoy the scenery without trying to decipher it too much. The above photo is beautiful, regardless of the actual time of day. I can enjoy it for what it is, or over analyze it to death and miss the Giver's intention, a brief moment of unparalleled beauty, peace and tranquility.

The words sunrise/sunset also remind me of the song from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. As the lyrics imply, time moves quickly. One moment we are at the sunrise of our life, youth, and before we know it, we are in the midst of our sunset years. If I dare to reflect back, I see four separate lives evolving from major events.

I do not fully understand the reason behind these circumstances, but I have come to accept them, especially since these experiences drew me closer to God. Over and over He brought me through the flames, holding my hand, protecting me from the heat.

This year, I face only minor changes, a relatively new job (hopefully a long lasting one), and a new home. Interestingly, the new house is situated at an angle where I will be able to observe both the sunrise and the sunset, neither of which I could view from the previous home. Over all our lifestyle will be greatly improved with both the house and the job, so why this introspection tinged with melancholy?

Change. Change, even for betterment is stressful. It is hard to let go of the known for the unknown. And, in some regards, I am weary. Change requires great effort and I am tired, not just from the physical work of moving, but the emotional changes as well. After seeing so many dramatic changes in my life, now even the smaller ones are draining.

Yet, I know I do not need to rely on my own strength. God in his mercy has given me a companion to help shoulder life's responsibilities, and my husband has shouldered the large responsibilities in order to allow me to concentrate on my job, and I am so very thankful. Then, I also have God's promise:

But they that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall take wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah: 40:31

Amen. Alleluia.






12 comments:

  1. Thank you for this God hug this morning. This was for me! You voiced my heart, my feelings and my emotions...then you put it to a song a love.

    I am praying for you right now...I totally understand, and asking God to infuse you with His strength as you fly on wings of eagles.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Will you come back to the bus? Miss you!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Janette, I know you too have faced major life changes and challenges. In so many ways we are kindred spirits. God bless you as you continue to move forward in this new year.

    Thank you for your prayers, as I also keep you in mine.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Shayna, no I won't be working downtown. I am at ProTeam Vacuum Company on W. Bridger ( just one block from my old bus stop on Cloverdale!)

    I miss you too! Hope your new year is filled with blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Change is scary and draining, yet I'm ready to move on. My current situation about has me beat, and I am tired, stressed, and nearly defeated. I'm counting on God's strength, because I don't have enough of my own to keep going.

    God bless you in the changes in your life. May He continue to move you to the place He wants you to be.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are right, Lorna. Change is often necessary for our survival. I know God has something better planned for you and He is working to set all things in motion when the time is right. May He lift you up on eagle's wings and carry you until then. Bless you, Lorna.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such an introspective post. I loved it! I didn't know you had a new home. That's great! May your changes be blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lynn, yep. We are in the process of moving to a new home. Another lease, but a huge improvement over the other one. Not only is the home more beautiful, but the property management take care of most of the upkeep - the big reason we haven't looked into buying again. On our fixed incomes it isn't as easy to take care of upkeep. In this case they take care of the large yard, and even change the light bulbs in the vaulted ceilings! All for less per month than the other place! Whoohoo!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Life is full of changes, but thankfully God is dependable and never changes! Thanks for sharing the beautiful post and photo.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and your comment. Treasure is a great goal. Blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Connie, change is just as sure as death and taxes. How we view and react to the change makes the difference. Thank you for taking the time to stop in and comment.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Debra, you are so welcome! Thank you for stopping in and commenting here as well!

    ReplyDelete

Any thoughts you would like to share? I love hearing from you!