LIGHT FADES QUICKLY
A log house on a hill is where I’ve made my home since the spring of 1998. Needless to say, over that many years with many people living here off and on, we’ve collected quite a bit of clutter. Cleaning house can be a challenge when it’s a full house, but I really enjoy the company of various family members.
The front porch is one of my favorite places because of the view. As I sit there in the evening watching the sky, it never gets old. The view is the same, but the sky is always changing. Every night the light fades quickly as the sun goes down.
While the clutter may discourage and overwhelm,
the view from the front porch always cheers me!
At 7:21PM, I took this picture as I pedaled the exercise bike on the front porch. The sun was already on its way down, but there was still plenty of light, even though there was a cloud cover.
A few minutes later at 7:37PM, I snapped the following photo. See how the light fades quickly as the day gives way to night?
DAY GIVES WAY TO NIGHT
The cycle is always on schedule as the world spins on its axis. Day gives way to night no matter where you live on this earth. (Though some places have months of daylight and months of darkness). Even then there is a cycle of day and night. It is not random but always on schedule, and that gives me comfort.
These cycles didn’t just “happen” one day. They were set in place by our Creator God. He is the One who keeps the cycles going day after day after day. This same God is the One who gave us life and who sustains us.
The Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
(Job 33:4)
There is something soothing about the night. When the sun goes down, signaling the close of day, we can rest from our labors. Of course, for some, the daytime is rest time, because they work the night shift. Even though we may have differing schedules we all need a block of time for sleep. The darkness of night offers us a respite from the demands of the day.
With all the distractions at our fingertips these days, it’s often hard to stop and begin to relax as day gives way to night. Lights often stay on inside till late at night. We stay busy till bedtime whether it be watching television or playing phone games, etc. What if we set a time to give our eyes a break from screens and do something less intrusive?
FIND A COZY NOOK
We recently set up a sitting area in our bedroom where we can go to relax and read or work on a puzzle. When I walk into the room it looks so cozy and just beckons me to come sit a while. Maybe it will encourage me to retire to my room earlier at night to enjoy some down time before bed.
LIGHT FADES QUICKLY
Day gives way to night
Shadows fall amid thick clouds as
Daylight fades quickly
Nighttime bids us rest
As we enjoy a respite
From our daily work
Find a cozy place
Read or work a puzzle and
Leave your cares behind
As we come to the close of day, before we lie down to sleep, let us remember that Jesus offers us rest.
Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
(Matthew 11:28)
I’m linking up with: #InspireMeMonday
Dear Gayl, those photos of the changing light and sky are beautiful! And I love your new sitting nook. What a great idea to slow down and watch for God’s restful pauses as the light fades. You’ve brought a blessing to me tonight dear friend. Blessings and hugs to you!
Dear Bettie, I’m so glad your were blessed by this! That brings me joy, too. You are such a caring and encouraging friend. Love and hugs to you, dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
I can see why you love your cabin. The view is fabulous!
Thank you, Barb. Yes, that view affords much pleasure! Blessings to you!
I really enjoyed this post Gayl, thank you!
It took me back to sitting on the verandah with my late husband at the end of each hard day’s work on the farm, watching the sunset as we chatted together. Precious memories!
Blessings, Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer. I’m glad it brought back some sweet memories. Blessings to you!
Hi Gayl. That is a very soothing read… Thank you! Love your nook!
Love,
Claire
Thank you, Claire! I hoped it would be soothing to read and encourage people to rest. Love you, Claire. Blessings to you! xoxo
What a beautiful backdrop for biking, Gayl. I can imagine it touching your heart so deeply, as it has mine in looking at these photos and reading your words. Yes: Thank You, Jesus, that You call us to rest.
That nook in your bedroom is so beautiful and inviting. Ruben built a verandah on our back deck and it is so wonderful to now watch him reading books there – something He never used to do. It is also such an inviting space now, with the couches and cushions and blankets we added. Creating space to breathe at the end of the day does make a huge difference.
Yes, Anna, it almost makes the exercising fun. 🙂 Seriously, I do love the view. Your verandah sounds very nice. It really makes a difference to have a set place to go and relax. Just looking at it can be relaxing and inviting. Blessings and love to you, dear Anna! xoxo
Beautiful, Gayl! I appreciate this, “Watching the sky, it never gets old. The view is the same, but the sky is always changing.” I enjoy the Master Painter’s touch across the canvas of the sky!
Thank you, Lisa! Yes, the Master’s hand leaves such beautiful scenes across the sky. I never get tired of sky watching. Blessings to you!
Your house AND post are beautiful, and your post is so soothing.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Dee, thank you so much! Glad it was soothing to you. Blessings to you!
Gayl, thank you for your beautiful words, pictures, thoughts and Scripture. It brought me rest and peace.
Deborah, I’m so glad it helped bring rest and peace to you. Thank you for your kind words. Blessings to you!