Sunrises and Sunsets

Sunrises and sunsets are there for a reason. The reason is to be beautiful. Their beauty - for those who are able to receive it - touches our souls in a way that leads to awe. They are each different, crafted by the hand of the Creator. If we recognize the source of their beauty, and thank Him for it, then the sunrise or sunset has fufilled its purpose: to lead us to thankfulness. Yes, they actually teach us about God; they have a didactic purpose, as does all true beauty. But it seems from what St. Paul says in Romans 1, that God does not say to us in the sunset, "Are you getting the information correctly?" He is waiting for us to simply thank Him; He is waiting for the upraised smile of His child who simply acknowledges Him. "I know you are there, I know you did this, and I thank you for it, because it is so beautiful." The "random" shining of the suns rays through our earth's atmosphere becomes a sacrament, a moment of an exchange of love between members of a family. It is, to borrow from Lewis, a sketch of what lies ahead, for those who long for it.