Picture of the day - December 10, 2006

Long Shadows At Rush Creek Cemetery

Cheria and I paid a visit to Rush Creek Cemetery a few days ago, and while we were there we took a few pictures because it was such a pretty afternoon. Rush Creek is a small cemetery in rural Washington County, Virginia. It sits on a hill in the shadow of the Appalachian mountains, overlooking forests, pasture fields and some of God's most beautiful country. It is also where some of our most beloved friends and family have been laid to rest. It was late in the afternoon as we drove up the hill and pulled into the parking lot, and the trees and headstones were casting long shadows across the green grass and fallen leaves. Before long the sun would be slipping below the horizon, bringing to an end yet another glorious day that the Lord had made. They say that the grave is a person's final resting place, but that really isn't the case at all. Yes, the tired, worn-out earthly body is there, but the part that really matters - the soul - has already departed and went on to meet its maker by the time the casket is placed in the cold ground. A cemetery is simply a place for those left behind to visit on occasion in honor of their departed loves ones. And so we did... As I stood there among the shadows and cold slabs of granite, I got the feeling that we had arrived just at the right time. The long shadows were a fitting reminder that our days on earth are numbered and the clock never stops ticking until we take our last breath. But after the sun has set on our earthly lives, those of us who have made the choice to accept the precious gift of life that Jesus has so graciously made available to us will forever be basking in the bright light of God's love. There will be no shadows in Heaven. The Son will never set.   Submit a photo of your own! Picture of the day archives