Winter sunsets dazzle me most evenings as I watch them from my back porch.
Compared with their red and yellow brilliance other months of the year, the winter range of colors leans toward softer hues like peach, rose, and French vanilla. More than likely a scientific explanation exists for the color differences, but I prefer to think the change is intentional. With shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures, the soothing shades encourage me to slow down, relax, and enjoy quieter times. Sipping a cup of hot tea and reading a good book by the fire on a cold night come to mind.
Maybe God thought the same when He painted the winter sky with such pleasing and peaceful colors at sunset. Perhaps He created the mellow tones to make us pause and appreciate His artwork. Or possibly He knew from the beginning of time we would develop hundreds of ways to run ourselves ragged, as my grandmother used to say about folks never stopping to enjoy their blessings.
Whatever the reason, I’m grateful for God’s calming touch as night approaches—reminding me of a parent tucking a blanket around a sleeping child, kissing their cheek, and whispering, “sweet dreams.” How blessed I am to have a Heavenly Father who wraps me in His everlasting arms day and night so I can rest in Him.
Lord, thank You for providing our weary souls refuge, rest, and renewal. May we wake up refreshed each morning, choose the blessed path You offer us, and walk it daily.
—Jenny Lynn Keller
