One of the top 20 questions googled this year about routine life is “what time is sunset.” Did you know that? I didn’t. I would not have guessed it was that popular.
Doing a little research (googling more stuff and believing what I find!!) I found the practical reasons people google this. Most make sense:
1. Planning Outdoor Activities: Many people want to know sunset times for activities like jogging, hiking, or outdoor dining. Knowing when the sun sets helps them plan accordingly.
2. Photography: Photographers often look for sunset times to capture the "golden hour" — the period of soft, warm lighting that happens shortly before sunset.
3. Religious Observances: Certain religious practices and rituals, such as Muslim prayers during Ramadan or Jewish observances like the Sabbath, rely on the precise time of sunset.
4. Travel and Tourism: Sunset can be a major attraction for tourists, especially in scenic locations. People search sunset times to ensure they don’t miss this natural spectacle.
5. Daily Routines: Some people simply like to know when the day transitions into evening, especially those who want to time things like turning on outdoor lights, adjusting routines, or winding down for the day.
6. Astronomy and Stargazing: Those interested in astronomy may check sunset times to know when the sky will be dark enough to observe stars or planets.
I don’t know about the daily routine thing…just look out the window, but whatever. Also, coming off a Phoenix summer the answer to what time does the sun set is always “not soon enough.”
There has to be more to this. After more research (see above). I found people had some inner motivations such as:
1. A Sense of Wonder and Awe: Watching the sunset can evoke a deep sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of nature. This moment of quiet gives people a sense of connection to something greater than themselves, providing a break.
2. Inner Peace and Relaxation: Sunsets often create a calming, serene environment. The transition from day to night can symbolize the end of the day’s busyness, allowing people to relax and unwind. It can act as a natural pause that helps reduce stress and promote mindfulness.
3. Romantic and Emotional Connection: Many people find sunsets to be highly romantic and share these moments with loved ones. The colors and ambiance create a setting conducive to deep conversations or silent companionship, reinforcing emotional bonds and intimacy.
4. Symbol of Hope and Renewal: For some, sunsets symbolize closure and renewal, as the day ends and the night begins. This can represent the chance to start fresh the next day, making it a metaphorical time for letting go of stress, worries, or challenges faced during the day.
5. Mindfulness and Being Present: Watching a sunset can encourage mindfulness, as it’s a natural way to focus on the present moment. People are drawn to the slow, beautiful progression of colors and light as it brings them into the "now," offering an escape from overthinking or distractions.
6. Gratitude and Reflection: Sunsets often inspire reflection on the day and gratitude for life’s moments. For many, it's a quiet time to count blessings, think about the day’s events, and practice self-reflection.
7. Aesthetics and Beauty: People naturally seek beauty in their surroundings, and sunsets are visually stunning. The colors, lighting, and overall atmosphere can be deeply satisfying for those who appreciate the aesthetic qualities of nature.
Some of these likely resonate with you and some may not. In my admittedly limited thinking I feel like I know why so many people like sunsets. It is the physical symbol of an emotional exhale.
We tend to be wound up, stressed, and anxious. The sunset acts like a break providing some clarity and peace in the clutter.
I recently heard a podcast with a great explanation. I would give the speaker credit but I can’t find the content creators name!
He attempted to explain the rise in anxiety we face as a culture. Which even if you aren’t a particularly anxious person being surrounded by anxious people has an effect on you.
He traces it back to life before the radio which was invented by Marconi in the late 1800’s. In the pre-radio world you only heard a few noises. You could hear people speaking, working, making music and you could hear nature. There wasn’t much else.
With the advent of the radio now you could hear things all the time, at any time. From there TV, cable channels, internet, Bluetooth playlists, satellite radio, social media and more have filled our lives with noise.
Pre radio if you head a loud noise, it was almost always bad. An animal roaring, a tree falling, someone screaming. Loud noises were usually bad things.
In a positive sense, loud noises served to create anxiety and adrenaline prompting you to have heightened senses and be ready to take quick action. The loud noise was a warning. It had been this way for humans from the beginning until about 150 years ago.
Radio and other noise making devices started off slow, today it is hard to shut off the noise. If the podcaster was right and loud, distracting noise causes anxiety and adrenaline it is no wonder so many people feel spent. Quiet has become a rare commodity and it may be how we were meant to live.
What does this have to do with when the sunset sets? The real reason so many are interested in sunset is because it can feel like a welcome moment of quiet in a sea of noisy life. We crave it even if we don’t know it.
We want to sit quietly at sunset to catch our breath, hear the quiet, and capture a moment. I totally get that. Unfortunately, if we were designed to live quiet and have loud as the exception a moment here or there will not be enough.
The answer to all of us sunset watchers is found in Psalm 46:10.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Your heavenly Father knows what you need. Moments are great, a lifestyle is better. You need solitude.
I know you may say well I am an extrovert and a busy parent, and my job….yeah I know. That is why you need it even more than you think you do.
God designed you to find real life in Him. It doesn’t happen in the noise, it happens in the quiet.
Be still…..no one can slow you down except you, but God calls you to it.
Know I am God…He is God, not you, He is control not your boss or the president, or your kids soccer coach. And the best part, He LOVES you.
I will be exalted…God will be lifted up no matter what. How much better if it happens with you cooperating with Him instead of having to be overwhelmed by Him.
There is something incredibly freeing in knowing the God and King of the universe is in control and wants to spend time with you!
You know what you do when you are still? Nothing. You know what is playing in your ear pods when you are still? Nothing. You know what you must accomplish when you are still? Nothing.
I challenge you to build stillness into your life. I start my day this way. Maybe that works for you. It could be lunchtime or evening is better. The time doesn’t matter. Be still, recognize and connect with God. Listen before you speak and rest in His strength. Make this a daily rhythm in your life.
Don’t allow the noise of life to keep you from hearing what God is saying to you and obeying what God calls you to.
Be Still.
Oh yeah, along the way, catch as many sunsets as you can, you need those too.
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