The Sun Sets but Rises Again
I sometimes get the opportunity to sit and watch the sun set, and darkness slowly unfold. Eventually, as I do each day, I go to bed and wake to the rising of the sun, preceded by the gradual movement of dawn, unfolding into light. A new day is born. This all reminds me of the rhythm of my days and how in the midst of it all, there are these fears that can sometimes creep in. For me, the season of Lent has been the perfect antidote to the fears. It is helping me to turn away from fear to possibilities, and teaching me how to hold the tension between darkness and light in a manner that creates space for movement.
My journey to possibilities and hope is found in the spiritual discipline I chose for Lent. This is a practice of pause, prayer, reflection, recalibration, and a first step. As I look back on each day, I identify all that brings me contentment and all that shows up as challenges, and sometimes, seemingly as barriers. This always takes me back to the question, where is God in these experiences. How may God be calling me to appreciate and be grateful for the joys but also, how may God be calling me to navigate the challenges, to find opportunities within them. This leads me into regular conversation with God which may sometimes be quiet but can also be very spirited. The clear message I would hear, is God encouraging me to look for the cracks in the window panes of whatever I am facing, because the potential is there for God’s guiding light to shine through. It has been a practice of intentionality, and I have learned that in this walk with God, all I may need initially is to find a crack. I don’t necessarily need to find the doors flung wide open. All I may need is an opening for a renewed walk of hope with God.
In this journey, Hebrews 10:23 has been my friend – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (NIV). My gratitude always to God for this journey of life.
Rev. Susanah Wade
Enjoy this sunset montage from around the world.