Sunsets and Mother's Day

A small part of me secretly LOVES to leave town for business (I don't have to leave town often, so at this stage in life I can admit that going away is sometimes a guilty pleasure). Staying overnight on the other side of the state allows me the opportunity to get a sunset fix. I am a sunset junkie.
It was not until living through me some major and painful curves in my life that I appreciated the sunset. In the old days I was more like, "Yeah, show me a picture. Yep, pretty -- let's go." I did not know how to appreciate a sunset. To truly appreciate it, I have learned to be patient.

You have to get to the beach early -- well before the sunset. In doing so you see the diamonds shimmer on the waves. The sun that is still high kisses the waves and they glisten like a billion flashbulbs going off.... (this is a photo from a summer sunset the started with flashbulbs as Wonder Boy and Super Girl wowed me with their handstands).
If you are patient and wait, after the flashbulbs the sky transforms in a dance of color. It is best if there are a few clouds because the glare isn't as harsh. The naked eye can be wounded by the brightness of a clear sky sunset! I appreciate a few clouds -- this way I can look at the sunset without sunglasses distorting God's color pallet.The other night was amazing. The beach was shared by loving couples walking hand in hand. Dogs took their owners for walks both on the sidewalk and on the sand. I loved watching their dance of joy as the wind swept sand grains making patterns that begged for canine dancing. How kind those dogs were to do the circle dance for our pleasure!

I sat in my car because the wind made it cold. I would get out for the end... but I would stay warm and read for the long wait. It was worth the wait! I indulged my love of lighthouses... I sometimes like to imagine myself living in one and being lulled to sleep by the waves... or being energized by being in the midst of a mighty storm. A lighthouse fascinates me... I have never been in one though I do visit one up close on the outside (let me in!!!).
I was not alone huddled in my car. Others sat, both alone and in pairs. We smiled and nodded to one another, but wedid not disturb each other.... we were together in the club of appreciators. We GOT IT. I am glad I get it now. I'm glad I can take the time to actually jump off the merry-go-round and simply enjoy the moment.

I am glad I am no longer that person who could not stop and enjoy the moment. This sunset was beautiful. I left my car and walked along the beach. I found the perfect bench and sat awed by God's display. The locals promise me that they appreciate it.... but I caught a few who were in too much of a hurry on their walk.... "Isn't this the best?" I would ask. Often the response was "YES!" but sometimes it was "uh, yeah..." I hope the yeah's become yes's! I hope it doesn't take despair to teach them the value of savoring the moment.I shared this sunset with others... they sat in their cars savoring the colors of the sky... the glow made you warm inside if not on the outside. We wondered at the glory and respected each other's space...
As for mother's day, I hate that I'm jealous of others on Mother's Day. I hate that my mom isn't here with me... but I'm so glad she was MY mom. I'm so glad she was my example. I'm so glad that her appreciation of the sunset lives on through me. I'm so glad....

I will tune out the media hype on mother's day. I miss her too much... How can it be three years? How do those old people still share the earth with their mothers? Do they appreciate them? I hope so. I learned to appreciate the sunset... I no longer take it for granted. If you still have a mother sharing this earth with you... take the time to appreciate her... I'm happy you can enjoy her this weekend... If you are a mom, thank you for being an amazing force in this crazy world.

I miss you mom. Thank you for teaching me about the glory of each sunset. I'm still appreciating them... I'm sorry I didn't get to appreciate more of them with you...