Sunrise At Evening

Sunrise at Evening

Weeping may last through the night,but joy comes with the morning.

Psalm 30:5

It had been a long day—a day full of problems and frustrations and difficult decisions. I was tired, so very tired. My work was finished. I had done my duty. I had performed all the tasks, completed all the projects planned for me that day, run all the errands, and worn myself to a frazzle trying to keep up with a hectic schedule. I was ready to go home and relax. I just wanted to curl up in my big recliner with a good book and let what was left of the day go by peacefully, quietly.

As I turned toward home, the sun was low in the sky, and pink cotton-candy clouds floated in front of the darker ones lined in glistening silver. I was awestruck at the incredible beauty God could create with streaks of sunlight and puffs of moisture. The day was finally over, and I was almost home.

Then I suddenly realized—the sun was not going down; it was coming up!

“Wait, Lord! How can that be? It’s evening. The sun doesn’t come up in the evening unless—” I had worked all night!

Then I heard the wind seeming to whisper in the rustling autumn leaves, “It’s a new day for you. Yesterday is gone, but today’s a brand-new day. Now is your chance to do what you’ve always wanted to do. Go for it!”

I turned to look out the side window of my car, saw my own face reflected, and realized that I was smiling.

Sunrise at evening—the unexpected thrill and joy of life.

O Lord, you are the sunshine of my heart, the source of my joy, my hope, and my laughter. Thank you, Father, for shining on me. Please help me to reflect your joy into the dark corners of others’ lives too. Amen.