It was late afternoon as we travelled home. Sky was displaying her sunset colours, so I swivelled round as far as I could in my passenger seat, trying to capture the breathtaking beauty behind us.
As sun dipped low, leaving golden trails, I pointed and clicked my phone’s camera, desperately hoping to get a good enough shot as we whizzed past the scenery.
In seeing a sunset I am undone. Nothing speaks more to me of God’s glory and majesty. It’s like a loud clarion call at close of day, a last hurrah as night is ushered in.
I had to swivel uncomfortably to catch the sky’s dying rays, but oh it was worth it! When at home I try to remember to check the view, see if twilight and dusk are melting into sunset, sneak outside for a few moments if able and just marvel anew. It’s never stale or ordinary to me.
Just like wonder, joy seeps into the edges of our consciousness, nudging us into awareness. Though there may be many days when we fail to heed or receive it. Whenever I do, it usually stirs the poetic. Here’s the poem that came from those fleeting moments in the car…
A shifting view
A shifting view seen through
car windscreen while journeying
yields a glimpse of golden glory
rays as sun melts liquid into
horizon’s darkening depths
And my heart is captured
too as I point and click
with great rapidity, knowing
how life’s changing scenes
need to be seen, savoured anew,
given over to gratitude
for the gifts we can unwrap
in every waking hour
©JoyLenton2016
Sun’s brilliance captured and captivated me, but how much more does the Son of God Himself, our Lord of creation, produce awe, wonder, gratitude and reverence in us? He alone is worthy of all worship and praise.
Sadness may nibble away at the edges of everything, because we live in a dark and fallen world. It is all too easy to fall into discouragement and despair. But what if we deliberately try to capture beauty, take note of nature’s offerings? Even simple family pleasures take on greater significance when viewed through a lens of gratitude.
Maybe in seeking to pay attention to our days we could bring joy back to our hearts. It doesn’t have to be by camera. If we can be more fully present in the moment, then those experiences will naturally etch themselves on our memory.
Sometimes we just need to step outside of our familiar, view the world around us from God’s perspective, see how marvellous it is. In the looking and listening itself we can become more joyful and content, grateful for God’s myriad blessings in the everyday.
Welcome to #day9 of the #write31days writing challenge, where our focus is on journeying into joy.
I’d love to know how this series is speaking to you. Please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you! 🙂
Poetry Joy 
Reblogged this on Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
Finding joy in a sunset!
Michael, sunsets always bring me joy! Creation’s beauty leaves us in awe, doesn’t it? Thank you for blessing me by sharing this post on your blog. 🙂
Dear Joy, Oh yes! I want so much to become more fully present in my days, to know that “In the looking and listening itself we can become more joyful and content, grateful for God’s myriad blessings in the everyday,” Even as I am typing, now, my new little Grandson is making his entrance to this world! Oh thank you Lord for the JOY and WONDER of new life!
Dear Bettie, I think you have already developed an attuned, listening ear and an open, receptive heart. I see it so much in the words you share. Though the wonderful distraction of a new little grandson is bound to take up your full attention while you anticipate his arrival – and quite rightly so! Yes, thank God for the JOY and WONDER of new life! ❤
Joy, I wrote a poem about a sunrise today at my place. I love when our master creator shows off in only the ways God can.
Tara, I’m a bit late in the day catching up with comments, so I hope to go over and read your poem tomorrow. How lovely to think we were both compelled to pen the poetic after seeing a sunset! And I totally agree with this: “I love when our master creator shows off in only the ways God can.” Amen, my friend!
Joy, I do the same thing! When we are in the car at sunset, I always try to capture a picture. And yes, it is always awe-inspiring and I never tire of seeing the sunset. I love your poem!
Thank you for reminding us to deliberately look for beauty even when sadness and disappointment pulls at us. Blessings to you!
You, too, Gayl?! It’s good to hear we share a delight in sunsets and in creation in general. Thank you so much for your kind words. It was just a spur of the moment poem in reaction to the occasion. Bless you for all your sweet contributions here. I appreciate you! xo
I felt like was right there the way you describe it Joy! And what a needed encouragement to be in the present moments of all God has given, when the world weighs heavy. “It is all too easy to fall into discouragement and despair. But what if we deliberately try to capture beauty, take note of nature’s offerings? Even simple family pleasures take on greater significance when viewed through a lens of gratitude.” Beautiful poem and words dear Joy!
Jenneth, I make a habit of seeking out these glory moments whenever an opportunity presents itself. Getting out of the house for a while is a rare treat, and as such I want to savour every moment! I’m so blessed you stopped by today, dear friend, and pleased my poetry has spoken to you. Thanks for being here. xo ❤
“Sun’s brilliance captured and captivated me, but how much more does the Son of God Himself, our Lord of creation, produce awe, wonder, gratitude and reverence in us?” Amen. Some days we can be so downcast that we miss those moments of glory God faithfully shows us. It sure takes grace and practice, but when we deliberately open our eyes and heart to it, we see those glimpses of joy, don’t we? I love your photos! Thank you, dear Joy, for this beautiful reminder. Hugs!
Trudy, I know you, too, experience those dark days. And I think they make us appreciate the light more than before, as we deliberately set our faces toward God and away from our problems. I agree with you here: “It sure takes grace and practice”! There needs to be a decisive step toward seeing life with new eyes and framing the world around us via a lens of grace. You and I are slowly getting there – one photograph, one prayer, one encouraging word and one blog post at a time. Blessings and hugs, dear friend! xo ❤