annunciation

annunciation
Originally uploaded by rod lewis

Farewells and promises are so inseparably intertwined. Lost in relationship, one can scarcely tell them apart. I suppose it’s odd then that farewell’s sadden us so, while promises bring us joy. Perhaps this is easily known as departures are so often softened by promises of return. Of course returns are promises kept.
I think it’s profound that not only do farewells contain promises, but are sometimes promises being kept. I really don’t think I can adequately express my thoughts here, but it occurs to me that so many promises made in the arriving are proven faithful in the leaving.

Somehow, for me, Dawns and Dusks, Sunrises and Sunsets, are quite the example of this. Sunsets are intensely beautiful, but they are farewells, every one of them. In fact, they are farewells to a promise made by the dawn. A promise of new mercies, fresh starts, light and life, that is framed and proven in the pensive contemplation of the beauty of sunset. The sunset provides the beautiful keeping of the promise and a moment for eucharistic delight and grateful reflection on the day that was given.
The sunset says farewell with a promise of dawn, and the delivery will be made in beauty equal to the promise.

Sunrise and Sunset
Farewells and promises,
but which is the promise,
and which, the farewell?

The Lord keeps watch over you as you go out and come in,
both now and forever.