by Kimberly Knowle-Zeller
From the rising of the sun to its setting my Name shall be great among the nations, and in every place incense shall be offered to my Name, and a pure offering; for my Name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.
-Malachi 1:11
“I don’t know which is better – the rising or the falling.” My seatmate is referring to the sun. Flying this past week, my neighbor on my left taps me on the shoulder. Without any words, he points out the window.
The moon is rising through the clouds.
A full moon.
A beautiful scene.
Bright light.
As I’m suspended in the air I think about the moon. The many phases and colors and settings of the moon. I think of the places where the moon gave me light to see. I remember the people who sat with me and looked up in awe at the sky. I give thanks that no matter where I’ve been the same moon has been my companion and light.
I look to my right and the sun is setting. Red, orange, and yellow. Deep white clouds with a line of color streaming through.
Another day is coming to an end. The sun descending behind the clouds. As I am suspended in the air I think about the sun. How it warms my days. I remember the growth that occurred from the sun’s light on my gardens. I feel the heat on my skin. I’m overwhelmed by the sunsets that have captivated me throughout my journeys.
I’m flying in the sky, above the clouds, sitting between night and day.
Straddled between the falling and rising.
In awe of both the light and the dark.
I keep looking out the windows. To the rising moon and the falling sun. To the cycle of light and dark. To night rising and day descending.
Could this be where I live – between the light and the dark?
Recently anxiety and fear have filled my heart. My heart has become so full of the darkness in the world; the violence and war, the loss of life, the unexpected diagnosis, the failed relationship. I can’t keep the darkness at bay.
Yet, just as the moon is rising and the sun descending, I know that another day has ended and another day will come again.
The light remains present.
The light continues to guide and shine.
The light illuminates.
The light overcomes.
The sun and moon will keep rising and falling.
Darkness and light will remain.
A new day will dawn.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of a toddler, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. Her website is http://www.kimberlyknowlezeller.com
Image: photo by Ann Fontaine