When the sun sets
Yep, “no filter.”
I’m not sure what it is, but there is something about a sunset that moves my soul.
Tonight I pulled my rental alongside the sea wall, double-checked that the poorly translated rules didn’t prohibit a peaceful cigar smoking, and headed up the stairs in the hopes of catching a real beaut. And frankly, I wasn’t disappointed.
It seems that no matter where I’ve found myself around the world, I’ve experienced so many things that cross cultural barriers, and watching the sun set is a particularly poignant example. Despite hoping to have this chunk of the seawall to myself, a handful of other folks appeared. A young lady on her cell phone, a father walking with his daughter, and, as the sky turned purple, an older local man all soaked in the experience.
As every day draws to an end, the sun dips below the horizon and most start to shut it down for the day. Being a man of prayer and reflection, I can humbly relate to the great thinkers, the great Saints, and the everyday folks alike who just spend a few moments to think, talk it over with God, and enjoy the view.
I find that there is Grace throughout life, and it finds its way into every nook and cranny of our day to day, usually unbeknownst to us.
Lately, I’ve experienced it through the love of my parents and family members who are spending time supporting each other as they brace for the death of a dear loved one. I hear it in their voices firsthand, and I hear it secondhand from others in the know of just how loving and tender people are when someone they hold dear is near the end of this earthly life.
Amidst all the violence, hardship, and angst, I think a lot more people would be better off if they just took a few minutes to slow down and enjoy the view. It’s not always possible, depending on the weather or based on your latitudinal location, but it’s worth doing. We’re all humans in this journey, and we’d probably get along a lot better if we focused on things to which we relate.
Have that cigar. Share a cup of coffee. It’s not that hard, and the investment always pays out.
-MJVW