I’ve always loved that title. It’s not mine, of course, but the title of one of Ernest Hemingway’s books which, incidentally, I have not read. So, if you have, and this post is not remotely in the same vein as the book, just smile and play along and don’t worry about it.

When I read it, it implies a first part of a sentence which I think would go something like this…

While it certainly sets, the sun also rises.

It’s a hopeful thought, isn’t it?

As I write this, there is a pink glow coming up over the hills in the distance, washing the treetops in a soft, cotton candy light. It looks fresh and new outside, with a soundtrack filling the air with a thousand birds wishing each other good day.

I think about this fresh day and fresh start, after a lousy end to yesterday. I get the feeling that many people think our marriage is perfect. And, while it IS really, really great, we, like everyone, have our moments. We get short with each other after long days, and say stupid things that we shake our heads over later. We get mad over the ridiculous letting it stew like beef and vegetables. Sometimes we let the sun set on our discontent, even though that’s not recommended. But you know what?

The sun also rises.

Another day arrives, fresh with opportunity to set things right. The chance to wash over each other with the light of apology and forgiveness peeks up over the hills of regret, giving us a new start. We can fill the air with love songs, even though we failed to close out yesterday with the same.

Days pile up into weeks and months and years. If the sun only set on them all, we’d be encased in perpetual darkness, left to muddle through this life groping for any sort of hope. However…

The sun also rises.

Every single day.

It brings new light, fresh starts, sparkling clean opportunities for beginning again with the right words, the proper actions.

Love gets a do over.

Hope wins.

Now that the sun is fully up and the light has turned to warm yellow brilliance, I’m thankful it has bid adieu the last of the night sky, and kissed away the remains of yesterday’s struggles. I’ll embrace it’s warmth and resolve to walk tall in the Bright Light all day long.

“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Ephesians 4:26 NIV

“God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning.How great your faithfulness!” Lamentations 3:22-23 MSG

“For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you.On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT

P.S. Old Ernest may have been on to something with that title. I have it on my “All Classics Summer Reading List.” If you’ve read it, let me know what you thought!