Chasing Sunsets
We all have our things. For me, one of my favorites is the sunset. Especially a beautiful sunset over the gulf. When the sun paints ribbons of color across the waves, it just does something to my soul. I feel still, centered and content. During times of chaos and stress, I find my heart longing for the tranquility of a beach sunset.
To celebrate the end of my audit season, I made plans for a great day at the beach. I got there in time, the skies were clear and the scenery breathtaking. I set up my camp, looking forward to the time when God signs off on the conclusion of the day, with His signature sunset.
Almost simultaneously with the sun dipping its toe in the water for the first time, a large family group arrives-complete with an obnoxious photographer- and planted themselves precisely… in front of me. Seriously?! There was open beach to my left, to my right and all up and down the sugar white sands. To add insult to injury, the photographer kept backing up until her posterior was planted squarely in my face. (Kid you not.) I could have screamed!
So I moved- though I had been there for hours for this moment. Once I re-situated, a young dancer came down with her photographer and begin to posture, leap and freeze frame her way across my view. So I moved. And then other families came and lined up across the shore and jumped and grinned at yet another photographer.
Finally, I gave up!
I made another trip- but was called back for work.
Not to be outdone, I drove 40 miles further a few weeks later, set up my compound and then… giant raindrops began to pelt my head. Finally, I had to grab everything and make a run for it.
Then I planned yet another trip, back to the first location. But it rained. So I opted for an inferior spot- but my child kept stepping in gross, grassy stuff. So I moved my car- and missed the sunset.
By now my heart begins to reflect. What are you trying to teach me, Lord? It seems such a simple thing to desire, and yet I am unable to fulfill the desire of my heart…
Life is like that. Sometimes we are stretched. Sometimes we are denied. Sometimes we are frustrated. Scripture records that,
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Prov. 13:12)
And I believe it! Being sick at heart gets old…fast!
When I was less mature in my faith, I probably would have become frustrated and questioned why the Lord would not grant such a simple request. But by now, I have been around long enough to realize that He never denies us unless He is working something greater.
I do not know what unfulfilled longings weary your heart today, but I do know this- God loves you and His eye is ever upon you. He carefully watches over your life and He has a plan that far exceeds what you can hope for. Sometimes He trades sunsets for stretching opportunities. Sometimes character development delays the realization of a desire. Sometimes we are left baffled. But always, (always!) We can trust Him to do exactly what we need.
Dear Lord, I pray for all the readers who are struggling to settle the big issues of life and even for those who have small, delayed desires of their heart. Flood their spirits with peace and confidence that you are faithful, loving and trustworthy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
You always seem to know exactly what I need. Thank you.