Sunsets

A Ripley County sunset

Each day I anticipate sunsets, the reasons surprising and varied. How will the clouds mix with the colors? What is the color that is not orange or yellow or pink but glows with traces of each? How do I miss the transformation from one to the other? Some evenings the subtle change from sunset to twilight to dusk calms and comforts, erasing worries and fears, assuring me God hears my heart’s prayers when my mind can’t find words. Other times I race the sunset to another clearing, to see the glory I might miss if I don’t hurry. I never lose. Magnificent WOW moments catch me off guard, halting my breath for a moment of awe...

...and gratitude - for another day - with loved ones, friends, purpose.

Sunrises are just as appreciated but I confess I don’t rise early for bus routes and lesson preparations these days, so I don’t marvel at a sunrise without an appointment. There was a time in this retirement phase when I didn’t think my metabolism would adjust to any schedule but a school-related one. My being reacted to an unseen clock and an unheard bell for a long while.

School routines have been among the constants that frame our lives. School starts in August and ends in May, weekends vary from weekdays, kids learn to read and write as they inspire their teachers, teams win and lose, hearts and voices create, sing, and play between 8 am and 3 pm. Bonds strengthen, some for life.

Change, too, is good for the brain and the soul, but we have endured so much change these days without clear hows and whys. Our school district is scrambling to create a safe, routine environment for the kids, teachers, support personnel, board members and parents. Though it might look different and require tweaking along the way, our community yearns for its return and the security it reflects.

Be patient with those tackling innumerable and invisible challenges because they care for our community. They could use our prayers, encouragement and gratitude.