PENTECOST X
August 13, 2023
“Sunrise, Sunset”
Sunrise, sunset, Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears.
(“Fiddler on the Roof”)
I’ve always loved sunsets, whether watching the sky take on the soft pastels of spring, the vivid fiery oranges and purples as summer clouds roll in, or the colorful but softer tones of fall. I came to this appreciation because of my Aunt Margaret, my mother’s oldest sister, and one of the most interesting people I’ve ever known. As a young school teacher, she moved to Juneau, Alaska, making it her home for the rest of her life. Her visits were such fun, and when she called us to come outside to admire a sunset, we’d troop out to the back yard and be appropriately impressed. When I asked her why she was so enthusiastic about something that happened every day, she explained that Juneau was nestled in a “cup” in the mountainous terrain of Alaska, and sundown was an abrupt event, as the sun just dropped behind the mountains and that was that. For her, the long, lovely summer twilight, the leisurely pace of the sun setting, and the slow descent of night was an absolutely beautiful sight.
The old expression of “Time flies” has probably been around for so long because it’s true. It’s a funny thing how our perception of time is so elastic, depending on circumstances. When we’re waiting for someone dear to us to arrive for a visit, we get all fidgety, wondering why they’re taking so long. But when we have to cope with a difficult situation and would like some time to prepare for it, it’s right in front of us before we’re ready.
So many human emotions and experiences are reflected in the Psalms, as King David wrote of his anger, his fears, his gratitude and his trust in God. He put it all out there, as he brought everything on his mind and in his heart to God, knowing that he would be heard and accepted — even his complaints and frustrations. Psalm 90 speaks of God’s eternity and human frailty:
“For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.” (v. 4). “So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.” (v. 12)
Many of us have been reflecting on the days following the derecho of three years ago this past week, and my thoughts are a bit tangled. Some memories have begun to fade, but then at the same time, others are so vivid and realistic, it’s as though it just happened.
No matter where we are in life, younger, older, or somewhere in the middle, God’s word assures us that we can laugh, cry, celebrate or complain, and our Father is there to hear us, love us, and walk alongside us. He has all the time for us that we need, and will keep us in his care. “I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.” My times are in your hand; . . . save me in your steadfast love.” (Psalm 31:14, 15a, 16b)
Grateful for every day,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers