As i walked to the beach on Thursday evening I met a young lady and her daughter and we walked for a while. I was in a hurry to get to the beach before sunset, but slowed my pace a little to enjoy the time. They were on vacation and enjoying Coronado Island as much as I we passed the time for a few blocks talking about how life should be.

I we split and I went to the beach to take a few photos (300 or so) I considered all the people in our lives that rise with us for a moment, only to pass at sunset, never to be seen again.

Many would be sad at this prospect but I feel strongly that if we made someone smile, we have succeeded in changing the world, if only a little. If they made me smile or showed me something new, than I am richer for that moment, and as we move towards 29000 that richness is far more important than any coin or idol.

As of today I could have seen 19491 sunsets, and on Thursday, thanks to Jessica and her daughter (I hope I remembered correctly) I had a good day. Smile everyone, the sun sets, but tomorrow brings new surprises and a new promise of passion for each of us.

The sun peaks in and out and after days of rain there is now clarity. Isn't it wonderful how clarity can open a persons life and shine a light on it successfully? I suppose it is always interesting how you must be at your lowest before see the light. As the sun sets there is a moment when the sun is lowest and it fills the sky and lights our lives, then promises a new day for all to enjoy. We should all be grateful this is a promise that cannot be broken. 

Remember Psalm 65.8 "The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy." and sing your song of joy at a promise of hope, even at your lowest.

Another day, another amazing sunset.

Each day don't we consider the blessings we have, and the blessings yet to come?

I find myself considering this often as there always seems to be something good in life to celebrate. A good conversation, a good person, a chance for a new life. This week I have been looking for some particularly old writings, and in doing so have to consider all the blessings I have had in my life, and all that are left to come. You know, sometimes we have a wonderful opportunity and grasp it and find it is just not what we thought, other times we have an opportunity that has proven itself but would be a strife, and we walk away. We need to remember the sun comes up, and the sun goes down each day, and in the end our lives are a series of choices, some easy, some more difficult. When it comes to people the only way to resolve an issue is always communication. Remember, the sunset you see, and the path you see, may not align with the path that is true, right, or known. Even in the worst cases, avoiding communication causes nothing but pain, everywhere. So get on the "horn" and speak to people and let them know how you feel, anything else is can be detrimental to you, your life and perhaps beyond. Perhaps in the end the sun will set, and you can watch it rise together as another new day begins.

It is always interesting when day after day we end up with gloom and doom. there is an old movie called "The Crow" where one of the key quotes is "it can't rain all the time" even though the movie is mostly dark, rainy and more than a little depressing. The end, however, brings us to a point where we find that love does conquer all and that a passion for the right thing, even in the face of wrong can give us solace. 

It is always funny how things like that make us think about ourselves (Unless we are shallow) and consider what is our long term strategy, short term strategy, and how do we get the most out of our 29000 sunsets?

I would like to believe that when we stand before the creator he looks at each of us that he looks as those we helped, those we loved, and how we reacted to those in need as well as all other things we do so I suggest strongly that you help people see how wonderful their sunrises and sunsets can be, and help them through the gloomy parts but sharing your positive nature with them. (Matt. 25 31-46 would be good to read)

After all, another sunset will come, but shouldn't we live like we see that sunset far above the clouds when the greyness descends and chills our souls? Should not we rise above the people in our lives that take and take and treat us without respect and find a way to be happy as well? In the end how we live our lives will tell who we are, and if we set aside the sun, or love, or honor we have missed the point of it all. 

Do right every day, by others, and of course by yourself. Rise above the gloom and make every day as your last.