The Symphony of Joy

They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. (Psalms 65:8 NASB)

This verse caught my eye today and it's been on my mind all afternoon, as I've thought about the sunset shouting for joy. Sitting outside on the patio this afternoon, there were so many creature-sounds that it seemed the afternoon shouts for joy, as well. The humming birds were speeding like jets, the bees and wasps were buzzing, frogs croaking, birds singing, and the dogs barking at the vulture flying overhead, while the wind ever-so-gently moved the leaves on the big oak tree. Such peace, but such sound! Whoever said the country was quiet must have been a city dweller. 

The time from mid-afternoon to early evening is one of my favorites, mainly because of the sounds. There's not much better than unplugging and listening to the music of nature. That transition from day to night is breathtaking to me. The frogs, crickets, and the creatures sing, and it sounds like a symphony of joy. It turns out that it IS a symphony of joy. 

This evening, why don't you take a few moments to sit outside, listen to the symphony of joy at sunset, and give thanks to the One who directs the song.