Couple weeks ago, as an event filled day was coming to an end, my 5 year old son Luka caught my attention as I walked through the living room. “Dad, come look at this sunset.” He quickly ushered me out to the front door, onto the porch. “Look how pretty it is!” And it really was a remarkable sunset. I said “Yeah buddy, it’s beautiful this evening.” We went back inside. To be honest I was having a stressful evening. One of too many, I suppose.
But Luka wasn’t done. Maybe 10 minutes later I was walking back through the same way, and as he peered out the living room window he raised his voice “DAD! Come look at it now!”
Out the front door we went.
We stood on the porch in the same spot, but the sunset had taken on an even more spectacular set of colors, sunlight behind the puffy clouds made for an even more distinct lining, and in some places the light peaked around and broke through making rays of light shooting across the evening sky.
More attentive this time, I said “Wow, that’s awesome. You know, God made that.” Luka quickly took his eyes off the sunset, whipped his head around to me, and replied “HOW?” Smiling back, I said “Well I don’t know, but He does it every night whether we notice it or not.” Looking back at the sunset Luka said with intensity “Thank you God!” Then he pulled his hands up to his chest and said “And thank you God for making us, so we can see it!”
It was such a heartfelt moment from a curious little boy, in awe of God’s creation and expressing genuine gratitude to Him. And I would have missed it, fretting over something or someone’s opinion that likely either doesn’t matter or I can’t change.
I’m glad he called me out there to look at that sunset a second time. I needed to be reminded of who is in control. I need to be reminded often.
What’s got you stressed right now? Have you looked to God? Maybe take a second look.
Thanks for letting me share. Y’all keep looking up!
[📸: by Jody Garner, same sunset as discussed, but from a different spot]
Pastor Roy Layman 