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| Photo by Laurie Collett 2025 |
This evening, the rain held off to allow us to enjoy a hug
in this spectacular setting from the privacy of our balcony. A balmy breeze refreshed
us after a day of long walks on the warm sand. Osprey and pelicans soared above
the sea or plummeted into it in search of fish, while waves undulated along the
shore in crescents of foam or billowed and crashed into it.
But the main attraction is always the light show,
ever-changing colors and shapes swirled together by the Master’s hand according
to His infinitely creative and intelligent design (Genesis 1). According
to meteorologists, the Saharan dust storm, traveling all the way to Florida, not
only helps protect against hurricanes but also enhances the sunsets as light
refracts off the dust particles. And high humidity, while oppressive,
contributes to the beauty as the setting sun illuminates the cloud formations
in a rainbow of colors.
In school we learned about three types of clouds: wispy,
feathery cirrus clouds; fluffy white cumulus clouds; and brooding nimbus clouds
threatening rain and storms. Some clouds are a combination of two of these
types, and recently scientists have added even more categories according to
shape, such as lens- or pouch-shaped. God uses all these types as elements of
His ever-changing landscape to demonstrate His beauty (Isaiah 61:3),
power (2 Samuel 22:33) and glory (Psalm 29:3).
Shortly before this evening’s sunset, what I could see from
the downstairs sliding doors was a neutral gray sky brooding over dark green
waves. But as we opened the door to the upstairs balcony, we were speechless
except for “Ooh! Aah!” and “Wow!” The crimson orb of the setting sun was barely
visible through the thick clouds, yet its golden, ruby and diamond beams of
light penetrated the cloud formations, painting each with a unique pastel hue.
Mere words, written or spoken, could not do the scene
justice, nor do the photos below. How true that the heavens declare the
handiwork of God (Psalm 19:1), revealing His majesty, splendor,
and infinite power. To think that He created this masterpiece to lift our
spirits and assure us of His presence (Psalm 114:7) reminds me of
His infinite love (1 John 4:8).
We have been blessed to view many sunsets on this island, and each is unique and awe-inspiring in its own way. Yet to me, the sunsets on humid, dusty days in a cloud-strewn sky are always far more dramatic and magical than those on clear evenings. It is as if God uses the negatives of dust, humidity, and clouds to contrast with and even enhance His pure, radiant Light (1 John 1:5), creating beauty from ashes ((Isaiah 61:3) .
Similarly, we would not appreciate the joy that comes in
the morning were it not for the weeping in the night (Psalm 30:5),
nor the depth and abundance of His blessings (James 1:17) were it
not for the trials and tribulations of this world. Ultimately, we who trust in
the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
as the only Way to eternal life (John 14:6) will encounter the
perfect beauty, peace and joy of Heaven, made all the brighter against the
backdrop of the “light affliction” we suffered here on Earth (2
Corinthians 4:17).
Praise God that He works all things together for our good! (Romans
8:28) He can use the Saharan dust storm to create a spectacular sunset,
and He can shine His light through us and from us (John 1:9; 8:12)
to overcome the darkness of this evil world!
Copyright 2025 Laurie Collett
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| Photo by Laurie Collett 2025 |
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| Photo by Laurie Collett 2025 |
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| Photo by Laurie Collett 2025 |
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| Photo by Laurie Collett 2025 |
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| Photo by Laurie Collett 2025 |
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| Photo by Laurie Collett 2025 |
