The year 2020 is coming to an end. Today is December 31st and it is raining. Last evening, we went to the beach to catch what is most likely the last colorful sunset of the year. Our little family walked against the wind and in awe of the spectacles engulfing us.

It's going to rain. We have known that for more than a day. Block Island was standing above the horizon last evening. We know that means that rain will be here soon. That is weather lore that has never failed us.

We are walking into the wind on the beach as clouds gather. We want to get to the other end, so we keep going. The clouds are rolling in and the wave's surge increases. The clouds are billowing over the sound.

But beyond the clouds, the sun pierces through. Pastels and beautiful, bright colors form against the gray sky with the setting sun. And when it seems that the view cannot be any better, the sun asserts itself and it paints yet a better sky.

So we close 2020 with the opening verse of the very Job-like words of a hymn by Horatio Spafford (1828-1888), "It Is Well With My Soul". The words come to mind as we walk in the coming storm and seeing the state motto, "Hope", asserted by the sun in the distance:

"When peace like a river attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot,

Thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well with my soul"

Onrushing Waves

Onrushing WavesWaves rush in ahead of a storm at Matunuck Beach in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Waves rush in ahead of a storm at Matunuck Beach in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Sunset Reflection At Matunuck

Sunset Reflection At MatunuckAs the sun sets at Matunuck Beach, reflections form along the water's edge. In South Kingstown, Rhode Island

As the sun sets at Matunuck Beach, reflections form along the water's edge. In South Kingstown, Rhode Island

The Assertive Sun

The Assertive SunThe sun asserts itself against the clouds at sunset. At Matunuck, South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

The sun asserts itself against the clouds at sunset. At Matunuck, South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Sunset at Matunuck

Sunset At MatunuckThe sun sets at Matunuck Beach in South Kingstown, Rhode Island

The sun sets at Matunuck Beach in South Kingstown, Rhode Island

© Keith R Wahl, Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery, 2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Keith R Wahl and Made From RI/Made From RI Gallery with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Photo from our Made From RI Gallery portfolio display "Seascapes/Shoreline" (all photos are available as prints, canvas wraps, framed works, cards, or many other formats).