Sunrise, Sunset

I recently read an article about the benefit of watching sunrises and sunsets. Based on research, people across the world find such solar events to be “the most beautiful and awe-inspiring weather.” It has long been argued that being out in nature can help one’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Time outdoors can help lower blood pressure for example.

Yet, it appears gazing at sunrises and sunsets can bring extra benefit. (Even looking at pictures of sunrises and sunsets on screensavers or paintings can have an impact apparently.) The lead author of the study, Alex Smalley, said, “We have, as Western populations, become very disconnected from the natural world. When you see something vast and overwhelming or something that produces this feeling of awe, your own problems can feel diminished and so you don’t worry so much about them.”

This should really be no surprise. John Calvin argued that looking at sunrises and the marvels of creation can become the start of a human’s search for or belief in the existence of a divine being. Martin Luther seems to have agreed. He reportedly said, “God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” Recognizing that there is a beauty and purpose bigger than ourselves can lead to awe and ultimately a sense of joy and peace,

Perhaps that’s why St. Paul commended people to focus on the good rather than the bad. He wrote, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Readings such as Psalm 8 even use nature to argue for our significance thanks be to God’s love for us, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are humans that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?”

We aren’t just talking about positive thinking here. In looking at the cosmos around us, listening to the laughter of children, resting in the quiet, or even sharing laughter among friends, we can sense a connectedness to something bigger than ourselves. A spark of joy and meaning can come.

So, put down the phone. Set aside rushing to the next program or event. Be still, look around, and take note of the beauty that is always in your midst. Hear it from the word of God found in scripture or the birds singing to God’s glory above you. Feel the beauty under your toes and smell it in the forests or by the sea. Then, let your awe rise with your prayers of thanksgiving. For our God created this all out of love for you and for all.  

© 2025 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.