I couldn’t wait to see what the magnificent Artist would paint. Even more than wanting to enjoy the sunset, I wanted to savor my time with the One who was painting it and to take in his splendor and majesty. I longed to see a glimpse of his beauty through the darkness.
It appeared to be mostly clear that Tuesday evening, but as the sun began to sink, I could see that the wall of clouds was going to block my view. This was the third night on vacation that I had paused to watch the sunset. Sunday turned out too cloudy. It was behind me as we drove back to the rental home on Monday. Now, I was disappointed again, but I remained seated in silence at the end of the dock. Rather than focus on the dark wall that fought to ruin my experience, I decided to watch for any beauty that might shine through. God can still put on a brilliant show when when the clouds hide part of his canvas, and Tuesday night was no exception.
The still water below reflected the light that bounced off of the highest clouds. I began thinking that the water was prettier than the sky until I noticed that there was a small opening through the clouds. Beyond the dark wall, I could see the bright and vivid colors of the setting sun. It looked like a warm and glowing little haven surrounded by darkness.
I was drawn into this window into the heavens and focused in to see what the Master Artist was creating. As I gazed at this tiny portion of the sky, I realized that somewhere on the other side of the wall of clouds blocking my view, someone could see the full view of God’s breathtaking creation.
The small glimpse of the sunset that I viewed through the portal reminded me of our tiny glimpse of God and the home he is preparing for us in heaven. Just as a wall of clouds can sometimes block our view of the sun and the beautiful show of color it adds to the sky as it shines on the clouds, life can sometimes block our view of the Son and his beautiful reflection visible through his creation and his family.
When we take the time to look, we can see our Creator’s brush strokes all around us. We can see his work in the stars, the moon, the sand, the grass, the mountains, the meadows, the rivers, the oceans, the flowers, the trees, the animals and all of his fascinating creations around us. We receive a sample of his goodness, mercy, kindness, love and grace as his Spirit works in and through his children. We experience a taste of his presence and what life will be like with him in heaven as his Spirit provides for us comfort, peace and joy here on earth.
As long as we live here on earth, there will be trials and tribulations. When the darkness starts closing in, we must watch for the places where the Son is shining through the gloominess and obscurity. We must look for the Master’s hand in his beautiful creation around us. We must seek his Spirit for joy, comfort and peace. We must wait for his touch that comes both through his Spirit in us and through his children around us. He is with us through the struggles; we only need to shift our focus to him to find a glimpse of beauty through the darkness.