Beyond the Sunset

(Thanks to Glen for the inspiration for this post.)

During our twelve years of kayaking, mostly done early morning or evening to view the sunsets and sunrises, I have taken literally hundreds of pictures of sunsets and sunrises.  In fact, now when we watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset from our kayaks, I tell myself, "I am not going to take any pictures," but then the beauty before me compels me to pull the camera out one more time.

The beautiful song, Beyond the Sunset was written by Virgil and Blanche Brock.  Here is how Brock described the birth of the song:

"Brock began, 'We were watching a sunset over Winona Lake, in Indiana, one evening. With us were two friends, Horace and Grace Burr. Horace had been blind for many years. We went to the dinner table still talking about that impressive sunset. The lake seemed to be ablaze with the glory of God. But above that unusual sunset were threatening storm clouds.'

As we talked about that sunset Horace said, ‘I never saw a more beautiful sunset, and I’ve seen them around the world.’ I said, ‘Horace, you always talk about seeing.’ He said, ‘I do. I see through others’ eyes, and I think I see more than many others see. I can see beyond the sunset.' I said, ’Horace, that’s a great idea for a song, and I began singing: Beyond the sunset, 0 blissful morning, when with our savior heaven is begun.”

“Grace Burr spoke up excitedly and said, ‘Blanche, that’s a beautiful thought! Go and play it.’ My wife went to a piano near by and began to play. We stopped eating and listened as she created the entire musical theme. I was too excited to eat. I found an old envelope in my pocket and laid it by my plate. I soon had written the first verse.”

Within minutes the song was finished. (You can read the story in its entirety here.)

As beautiful as sunsets are there is something, or rather Someone beyond that sunset infinitely more beautiful.  The Painter of that sunset is not only beyond, but if we have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, He is within.  

One thing have I desired of the LORD, 

that will I seek after; 

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, 

to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple. 

Psalm 27:4

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: 
and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; 
yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it. 
Psalm 90:17

Beyond the Sunset

by Virgil and Blanche Brock

Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,

When with our Saviour Heav'n is begun.

Earth's toiling ended, O glorious dawning;

Beyond the sunset When day is done. 

Beyond the sunset, No clouds will gather,

No storms will threaten, No fears annoy;

O day of gladness, O day unending,

Beyond the sunset, Eternal Joy. 

Beyond the sunset, A hand will guide me

To God, the Father, Whom I adore;

His glorious presence, His words of welcome,

Will be my portion On that fair shore. 

Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion,

With our dear loved ones Who've gone before;

In that fair homeland We'll know no parting,

Beyond the sunset For evermore!