Every day has a sunset. As I watched the light fade, I reflected and walked, thinking of individuals no longer in my life. With age, the frequency of this reflection has increased. There is an acute awareness of the reality that each day and life will have a sunset. With the certainty of this, I find myself motivated and hopeful. I want to get the most out of the time I have. I want to celebrate the time others have had, their contributions, impact, and love. I am hopeful that my story does not end with my sunset. Ideally, each gift of compassion will create a ripple of caring to make a difference in the lives I was privileged to interact with.
As the thoughts accelerated, I could hear life’s whispers drawing me back into the new day that would come with the dawn.
In the end, all stand equal. Men and women, powerful and less so, we author our story and ultimately stand before Divinity. The old saying is a reality that time has allowed me to see more clearly; “Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences.” (Hebrews 9.27). The surprise is my appreciation for what matters – the love of a child, the special love relentlessly expressed by my wife and the enduring love of friends and family. When I look at where I stand, nothing else makes a difference.
My awareness of the coming sunset does not change my calling. The priorities of the day remain the same. Ideally, my response to each moment is consistent with yesterday’s. I am called to nurture and plan Divinity’s trees. This is my life’s task for as long as I can take it on. When my sunset arrives, I trust others to carry on in their calling of the mission of supporting the community with unconditional acceptance and compassion.
I will celebrate each sunset by remembering and honouring the moments of care, kindness, and community. Each marks an end. They also mark the beginning of the next chapter and book I am a part of.
