When we keep our eyes open, God gives us moments of blessing, comfort, and joy. 

As I write this, it is the morning of Lexi’s birthday. Twenty-nine years ago, I became a mother. But Lexi is not on this earth to celebrate with, which is not an easy thing to face.

Also as I write this I happen to be on the island of Syros off the coast of Greece. Soon I will head off to tour the island with Mike and his family. I should be full of happiness at this incredible opportunity! But part of me (the selfish, sinful part) says, How can I enjoy this day? My Lexi is no longer here. 

But then I turn to Psalm 65, a chapter of the Bible that held some of her favorite verses. And as I read the whole chapter, a verse I haven’t given much interest to before seems to jump off the page. 

“Those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.” (65:8)

I suddenly remember the vivid, breathtaking sunset I saw the night before from our table on the cruise ship. A reminder that, even at the other “end of the earth” God’s presence is evident. In every part of the world, He begins and ends each day with the sun rising from or sinking behind the horizon. And whether you are on the plains of Kansas and the sky comes ablaze with oranges and pinks and purples, or you are in the middle of the Aegean Sea and you see a golden ball dropping behind the hazy blue waves of the ocean, twice a day creation shouts out God’s magnificence and His glory. How can someone not be in awe when experiencing the brilliance of the sun rising or setting? What a gift. 

Once again, God has used His Word and His creation to spark my mind and remind me of the truth. I can face the day, knowing that the God of the sunsets cares for me and loves me, and that even in the midst of sorrowful and hard moments, He is there.  Every single day, He brings hope.