The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

I stand on the balcony and face west towards the setting sun. The tapestry of colors that adorn the sky are beyond what any man could ever conceive of or create whether or reality or imagination. Mountains beyond mountains stretch far into the distance. Layers of deep purples and dusky grey blues hem me in from the east to the west. Majestic, resplendent, golden-tinged clouds perfectly fade into sheets of vibrant pink colors cast over the blue sky – as blue as the truest blue. Pure white birds careen through the sky, floating on the breezes. I wonder if I should go downstairs to get my camera, but I don't, because I know that no camera could ever serve to portray this moment in time that God has so perfectly crafted.

In the background, the soundtrack to Narnia plays. With a landscape any less breathtaking, the music would likely feel cheesy and overdone, but the swelling chords and rhythmic modulations match the scene that surrounds impeccably. In my arms is a child, a baby, born into this world not five months ago. Back when I thought come October I'd be more than a month into my first year at Hillsdale College. This is no Hillsdale College. I marvel at God's goodness at bringing me to this place – this Pearl of the Caribbean, this place of unspeakable beauty. And I marvel that He has given me the privilege of holding this child, this baby boy, so small, so perfectly made, so much more beautiful and complex even than splendor of the sunset.

But it is not perfect. Screams and wails from babies inside mingle with the music. On the street, shouts and yells and cries resound. Motorcycles speed past. The smell of burning trash penetrates my nose. And this baby who smiles and coos in my arms has a mommy who cannot care for her son. The perfection is tragically marred.

Now he sleeps in my arms, sucking his thumb, breathing deeply. My heart aches with the brokenness. The sun has gone down, the sky is now murky shades of grey and dark blue, and the air becomes chilly. My heart aches for I want the sun to come back. I want it to stay there and illuminate the mountains forever. But my heart rejoices for the great and powerful plans of redemption God has in store for his son, his son that He made and whom he loves. His son that He has allowed me to hold and rock and sing to while I watch the sun set.