Sunrise or Sunset?

We are studying transition words in our writer’s group. Our assignment is to write a short opinion essay (no more than 400 words) on a topic from a list of suggestions or from a question we choose. I selected from the list this question; which is more beautiful, sunrise or sunset?

 Sunrise?

or, sunset?

 

 

Sunsets have drawn me to my knees

then silenced inept, stuttering syllables,

attempting to spill salutation in praise.

Also, sunsets have stolen my breath;

splendor-cuffing my soul to the air where nothing tangible is

yet HE IS transcends all.

Furthermore, sunsets have reminded me,

in spite of man’s stumbles and fumbles,

still God renders His glory

in glimpses

to sojourners of sin-cursed sod.

However,

something about a sun-rise stirs in me

an even greater sense of awe.

Sunsets signify ending

while sunrises proclaim beginning.

Our track-record of centuries

is proof of proneness to folly,

but God who is rich in mercy

rends the dark with Light,

choosing shades beyond our comprehension.

Indeed, He delights

to remind us who He is

on a canvas only the blind can ignore.

In fact, He has promised

His compassions are new every morning

so as I gaze at a sunrise, unlike a sunset,

I marvel that He has seen fit

to bless errant mankind

with another day of grace.

Clearly, we are undeserving,

yet He colors the skies for the just and the unjust,

(just) as he makes rain to fall on the good and evil,

for this is not judgment day

but the day of grace.

On the other hand, a day is coming

when we will have witnessed our final sunrise.

Indeed, it is imminent

for every life is as grass and does not stand long

but withers and dies.

Therefore we ought to give earnest heed

to the things which we have heard.

Also, if we have not done so

we must

make our calling and election sure

because the same hand that gilds the morning sky

is a consuming fire.

Nevertheless, He has provided

through Christ’s shed blood on Calvary,

Hope and redemption

for one and all

and though there is none righteous,

no, not one,

also no one is exempt from His forgiveness and grace.

Moreover, each morning as the sun rises

He affirms that He is not ready to close the door

to His ark of safety forevermore

so,  thus I am awed even more deeply at a sunrise;

not because of its colors

but because God extends His grace

for another day.

© Janet Martin