Dusk Over The Airstrip
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” – John Hughes, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Hello Dear Friend,
Lillyanna had just completed her shift at the well established beach store where she worked and was running errands around the island before returning home for the night. It had been an exceptionally long day at work. Summer had officially arrived, it was the start of a new weekend and everyone was headed onto the island for a beach weekend.
Lillyanna’s shift had run longer than usually as she’d found out that morning that she’d also be doing beach rental set-ups after the shop closed up. She didn’t mind, it extended hours and put some extra cash in her pocket while also producing some manual labor which saved her from a trip to the gym. Another perk was that the extra time happened out on the beach.
So there she had been for the last few hours of her workday, out on the beach. That time had consisted of hearing the waves breaking as the saltwater rushed up onto the sand, feeling the ocean breeze as it tousled her ponytailed mane and occasionally looking up from her task of securely anchoring another umbrella stake into the deep sand and aligning the wooden beach chairs to complete another set-up, in time to see a group of beach goers’ sun-kissed and packing up to head out for some dinner.
She’d finished up the last set-up and returned the left over gear to the storage unit about ten minutes ago and was now driving along the outskirts of the island. Glancing at the surroundings, Lillyanna noticed that she was about to pass the local airport to the right of her. As she came to a break in the tree line she looked in awe.
There it was, in the distance beyond the airstrip, like a canvas from a master. The colors of the day were giving way to the coming of the night. The sun stood over the horizon as the gigantic clouds swept in and stretched throughout the sky as if attempting to hide the light. Unthreatened, the sun continued to shoot is warm rays across the sky, now they were vibrant hues of orange and pink which immediately turned the masses of white fluffy walls into a dark bluish-gray. It was as if the sun seemed to say to the clouds, “Take that!” and a duel began between the two.
Lillyanna wished she’d carried her camera with her that day, she’d forgotten to slip it in her bag. Now as she stole quick glances of the sunset between keeping her eyes on the road she vowed that as soon as she arrived home, she would retrieve it from her the top of her dresser and put it into her day pack. She waited until the next break in the trees to catch another look, this time her view was of the setting sun behind an airstrip. Her Pontiac motored forward as the moment passed and she was carried on to her errands.
Heading towards home, Lillyanna retraced the route she’s taken earlier, this time in the opposite direction. Again she found her past taking her along the airport. This time when she came to the breakpoint in the trees she was awestruck again. The view was drastically different but beautiful just the same. The sky was deep gray now, but still just light enough to make out the outline of the clouds which were even a darker gray. Underneath them in the twilight she could make out the airstrip only this time it was lit. Blue, red, and yellow lights aligned themselves like a fence along the runways guiding the incoming planes a safe passage home.
Take The Phone Off The Hook & Disappear For Awhile.
“God is in His heaven – All’s right in the world.” – Robert Browning, Pippa's Song
There are times when I just need to escape from everyday life. It’s true, down at my core, I’m a nature babe. I’ve come to realize that I feel the most alive and recharged when I’ve had time to myself lost in nature somewhere. No agenda, nowhere I need to be, just out embracing God’s creation. The vitamin D I receive from the sun might have something to do with it but it’s the whole experience.
Some of your best life moments can be found in the most simplest of things. It’s different to every person. For some it could be the setting sun over an airstrip. To a pilot it could be a well lit runway guiding them to a safe landing after they’ve fought their way through some horrendous turbulence. It could be the sight of a light house to a Ship Captain. For a mother it could be watching her child pick a bouquet of dandelions. For the little boy with the crooked grin it might be in finding the perfect worm for his fishing hook.
I love watching the theatrics of a thunderstorm as the lightening illuminates the darkened night. I love taking in the view of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains early in the morning, excited for the possibilities the day holds. I love hearing the geese flying in a V overhead before they land in the lake below announces that cooler weather and my favorite season are about to make an appearance. I love watching young deer and rabbits playing in their natural habitat and seeing the moment when the sunrays break through the overhead cloud coverage as streams of warmth descend to the earth below. I love standing out in the dancing snowflakes and seeing the world untouched in a blanket of purity. I love feeling the breeze against my cheeks and the sweet smell of the earth as I close my eyes and take a moment to fill my lungs with fresh air and just breathe.
It’s in those moments that I remind myself that God is in His heaven. Everything is alright. From the major things in life to the simplest of pleasures God surrounds us in His beauty and His greatness each and every day. Sadly, too often, the distractions of the day cause us to miss the reach of His splendor.
Next time you feel that gentle nudge that’s telling you to look up and take in the beauty laid out before you take the time to do so. Allow yourself to take a break from the day to day tasks and enjoy the gift of life’s special moments that He’s given you.
With love,
Comments