First Baptist Church of Herndon

Sunrises - Sunsets

Linda Soller | Feb 19, 2024

My childhood home was part of a 1950’s subdivision built in what had once been farm fields. From our large front window there were few obstacles in our view. Consequently, we saw amazing sunsets. I loved walking by the picture window and looking out to see the incredible colors. They spoke to me as if to say all things considered it has been a good day. Even on overcast or cloudy days I could imagine the wonderful colors that lay just beyond.

In the various dorms, apartments, and houses of my adulthood I have never lived where I could truly see sunsets. There were obstructions. Sometimes there were buildings which did not inspire me, and sometimes there were/are trees which offer their own inspiration. Still, I missed the sunsets. In my current house I discovered that in late fall to early spring I could, if willing to get out of bed, replace the sunsets with sunrises. Looking out of my back windows through the silhouettes of the trees I saw equally inspiring colors and formations. The sky which had helped me all those years bring my day to a beautiful close now helps me start my day with inspiration. Even when the trees fill in, I am able to see bits and pieces of the dramatic colors. On cloudy days the trees remind me to look beyond that which is right in front of my face.

There are some who think Christians do not respect the natural world as well as we should. I struggle with such statements. I think most Christians really appreciate the natural world God has provided. Could we take better care of it? Yes, we can always do better. We must do better. Humans are able to bring about great change. Sometimes our changes are careless and destructive. Sometimes our impact is restorative. The power humans have in dealing with nature also brings responsibility. I believe God gave us this world not to beat down and  tear apart, but to care for and build strong. It may not always be convenient, but I believe it’s worth our efforts. If you doubt, just look at the sunrises and sunsets. God provides the inspiration. We must find the way.

Be kind, be brave, have faith!  : )   Linda