Ombré
A soft-hued blue sky faded into the summer sun’s vibrant amber orange, its colors slowly dimming to black as the sun set below the horizon of Lake Washington.
The city was as warm as the sunset was beautiful.
And equally humid.
Eight friends sat at a picnic table on the terrace that overlooked the lake, occasional bursts of laughter erupting from the group. The friends weren’t trying to be quiet in the slightest- but nobody else in the park seemed to mind.
Everyone in the park was either focused on enjoying the setting sun, or the presence of those around them. It was too nice of a day to not savor it.
But for our group of friends that had gathered at that picnic table to chat against the backdrop of the sunset, it was bittersweet. We were sending a friend off, who was moving to the other side of the country.
It’s interesting- even with technology that keeps us constantly online, we still seek other ways to be connected.
The fact is, most things can’t beat sitting across a picnic table from your closest friends, reminiscing good times, and dreaming about what the future holds.
Most things can’t beat savoring each moment of life that you’ve been given, and cherishing it as a gift.
We never know when things will change- a friend moves away, a season of life takes a turn.
I used to be afraid of change. When things are going good, I usually want everything in my life to stay the same, forever. But, I realized that:
1) Quite frankly, life just doesn’t work that way.
2) Change allows us to savor the gift of today that we have been given.
As the sun set into the horizon of the lake and our surroundings dimmed, I took a moment to look at each one of the faces at that picnic table.
I caught myself experiencing undeserved grace.
I found myself grateful.
I understood a little more of what it means to be blessed.
I realized at a greater level, what truly matters in life.
And as I finally turned to my friend who would be moving away, I thought to myself:
We’ll miss you, friend.
See you soon.
