Six Lessons I Learned From Sunsets

Six Lessons I have learned from watching sunsets

When I was a little boy, my family briefly lived in a small town in Florida called Ruskin. We only lived there temporarily, but during that time, I would often take walks with my older siblings in the evening along the Little Manatee River. We would usually end our walks at a riverside park and watch the sunset while sitting on an old wooden dock. Even as a boy, I could appreciate the tranquility of a sunset over the river. Since those days, I have often enjoyed sunsets at various times and places. Admittedly, I have not enjoyed as many sunrises. Though lovely, a sunrise is no match for my desire to snooze as long as possible in the morning. But I have seen many sunsets, and while gazing upon sunsets, I have meditated and discovered six lessons.

1. Beauty is Temporary

Sunsets teach us to enjoy the beauty while it is here because it will soon vanish. When watching a gorgeous sunset, the knowledge is always present in the back of my mind that my view will soon disappear, so I better appreciate it while it is in front of me. This is true for life in general. I am always reminded of a poem by Robert Frost entitled, “Nothing Gold Can Stay”. The beauty we admire is very temporary. The good times we enjoy and the time we spend with loved ones are transient. For example, I work in an…