The Setting Sun of PEC

The Lord Is To Be Praised

The long weekend in PEC is a time for bustling activity. The farmers are busy preparing their fields, the markets are ramping up their wares and the summer tourist shops have fully opened their doors. A sense of excitement is in the air and the long winter whiteness has given way to an explosion of greenery.

A certain sign of temporal change is the return of the ospreys at the bend in the road at the end of Kelly Road. Their nest is perched high above (on the top of the hydro pole) and is safe from any lurking predators. Nevertheless, the conscientious parents give flight and circle their nests whenever they see us coming down the road towards their home. One can never be too sure when it comes to the safe guarding of their young.

Walking the quiet road at sunset is a favourite time for me at the farm. No one is around at the best of times on this isolated rural road and certainly not when the sun is setting. Golden silence is the cue and it demands respect. Birds chirp in awe of the setting sun and the greenery soaks in the last of the heavenly nourishment. When our setting star falls below the horizon, a canopy of her star friends rise and raise their voices in silent praise. It truly becomes a holy night.

The Psalmist reminds us of such sacred sunsets when she writes,

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets the name of the Lord is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3).

And on the other end of the sun spectrum the prophet Malachi ponders,

“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves” (Mal. 4:2).

The sun’s setting and rising are both daily praise points which we often ignore. We are worse off for it because the twin miracles of praise would stir our hearts much more than the morning show of bad news which we often choose to begin our day.

So let’s hear it for the resounding praise of nature who knows its Maker. The Bolivian Incas (or the Quechua peoples) can teach us a lot in this regard for they value nature and receive it from the hand of God with gratitude. At the head of the list is the massive sun which soars high above the Andes and its rising and setting is enjoyed (with thanks) each and everyday.