Those Sunset Years
“God has shifted us into our sunset years’ season,” my friend announced.
Sunset years? Ummm. I pondered that, remembering the last awesome sunset I had enjoyed.
What do we see as the sun sets? Gorgeous flaming colors: orange, red, yellow, violet, blue. Where we live in Florida near the Gulf, residents and tourists alike also hope to catch the spectacular “green flash” while watching the sunset from the beach. We wait eagerly for a glance of this green phenomenon because it flashes only one to two seconds and is caused by rays of sunlight refracting (bending) in the atmosphere. 1
A sunset in simple terms is the daily disappearance of the sun below the horizon due to the earth’s rotation. Someone has said, it is the time when the sun ends its day’s journey in just one part.
“Those vibrant colors are the result of a phenomenon called ‘scattering’in which molecules and other small particles in the atmosphere change the direction of light rays, causing them to scatter and create that incredible range of colors that we love to gaze at.”2
Research has shown that watching the sunset for a few minutes can have massive and good effects on a person—–calming, peaceful, quiet repose.
“Sunset symbolizes the completion of a day’s work and shows the passage of time. As the sun sets, it is time to end the day and take a break. The awesome beauty of a setting sun is also symbolic of the beauty and mystery of life itself.”3
So, it’s almost obvious why those advanced in age are considered living in their “sunset years” or “golden years.” But acknowledging that you are there is somewhat sobering.
“Everyone wants to live long, but no one wants to grow old,” so the saying goes. How true.
In “Fiddler on the Roof” movie Tevye sings the moving song, “Sunrise, Sunset” that mentions “swiftly fly the years, one season following another, laden with happiness and tears.”4 (Lyrics by Roger Whitaker).
The latter years of life can still be productive. God gives us this life to live to the fullest. The psalmist says, “They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing.” (Psalm 92:14 NKJV)
In Psalm 71 we read a devout man’s prayer: “Oh God, You have taught me from My youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” (Psalm 71:17-18 NKJV)
Many older citizens have a wealth of wisdom–both practical and spiritual–and younger ones could benefit by gleaning gold from their rich life experiences. “Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding, strength, and counsel.” (Job 12:12-13 NKJV)
Colors symbolize a variety of things such as love, compassion, reliability, joy, enthusiasm, trust, loyalty.
Reminds me of a lot of “colorful” folks I know in their sunset years who are not ready to sink below the horizon–out of sight of those who need them. They are ready and willing to help enhance the atmosphere around them for others by praying, encouraging, sharing their talents, showing kindness, expressing hospitality, visiting the sick and lonely, bringing happiness.
May we not neglect to consult those in their sunset years who are wise! And let’s continue to enjoy God’s spectacular display of colors in His sunsets.
Prayer: Lord, those in their sunset years have great wisdom, knowledge and experience to share with younger people. Their talents and skills for certain tasks should not be wasted just because they’re older. Open the door to opportunities for them to help others succeed in their callings. Show them who they might mentor. Help Your followers in their sunset years encourage and equip the younger in Your ways. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture: [God]Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will carry you! I have done it, and I will bear you; And I will carry you and I will save you. (Isaiah 46:4 NASB)
Footnotes:
1. Green Flash: Elusive Sunset Phenomenon by Ann Zimmerman at Live Science.com
2.https://www.reference.com– sunset symbolic.
3. Ibid
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