Sunset Thoughts


I went out in the backyard a few days ago to a more open spot, not blocked by woods, where I could see a beautiful sunset.  Pink, gold and purple bands streaked across the wide, bluish sky.  It was so pretty.  Then as I was walking back to the house, two things happened: I smelled the fresh, grassy smell of the yard and I heard the twilight chorus of cicadas.  Suddenly I was transported back to my childhood.

I grew up on a small farm, and the smell of grass after rain was so clean and good that it just made you feel better.  And the woods behind my childhood home were filled with cicadas and little frogs that would "sing" so loudly on summer nights.  It was a peaceful feeling to realize that after all these years, those two things were still the same.  The grass still smelled so fresh.  The night creatures still sang.  I grew up, my life went through ups and downs, but it was comforting to know those special parts of God's creation were unchanged.

I think that is what God is teaching me about His grace lately.  Though I have maneuvered through the years and experienced highs and lows, He and His grace haven't changed.  Our relationship is still perfect because of Jesus' work.  His love toward me is just as strong.  He still looks on me with love.  He still holds me close.  I haven't out-sinned grace, I haven't drifted out of His love, I haven't ruined my chances with Him because of whatever wrong choices I've made.  I have changed, but that doesn't matter, because He hasn't.

It's nice to know some things never change, like the fragrance of green grass and the fragrance of unconditional love....and like the sweet song of cicadas and the sweet song of His acceptance!
May the amazing grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, and the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. 2 Co. 13:14