The Surprise of Every Sunrise

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‘The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.’ – John Muir (1838 – 1914). He was an influential Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness areas particularly the wilderness areas of the American West.

In a world filled with constant motion and noise, there is a moment of quiet beauty that unfolds each morning with the rising sun. The surprise of every sunrise is not just in the vibrant hues painted across the sky or the gentle awakening of nature; it is in the opportunity it presents for us to pause, reflect, and embrace the new day unfolding before us.

As I stand witness to the spectacle of dawn breaking, I am reminded of the endless possibilities that each sunrise brings. The sky transitions from the stillness of night to a canvas ablaze with colours, a reminder of the ever-changing nature of life itself. In that fleeting moment when the sun peeks above the horizon, casting its golden light upon the world, I am filled with a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty that surrounds me.

Every sunrise holds a surprise, a promise of something new and unexpected on the horizon. It is a reminder that each day is a fresh start, a blank canvas upon which we can paint our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. The surprise of every sunrise lies not just in the spectacle of light and colour, but in the opportunity it presents for us to approach the day with a sense of curiosity and wonder.

For me, the surprise of every sunrise extends beyond the visual spectacle to a deeper, more personal level. It is a reminder of the passage of time, of the fleeting nature of life, and of the importance of cherishing each moment we are given. As I watch the sunrise each morning, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude to God for the gift of a new day and the opportunity it presents to live with purpose and intention.

One of the great surprises of every sunrise is the sense of renewal it brings. As the darkness fades and the light spreads across the sky, I am reminded that each day is a chance to let go of the past, to release old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve the good, and to embrace a fresh perspective. The surprise of every sunrise is in the power it holds to rejuvenate our spirits, to inspire us to let go of our fears and doubts, and to step boldly into the unknown.

Each sunrise is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, of the constant ebb and flow of beginnings and endings. The surprise of every sunrise lies in its ability to ground us in the present moment, to connect us to the rhythm of the natural world, and to remind us of our place within the larger tapestry of existence. It is a moment of stillness in a world of chaos, a gift of perspective that allows us to see beyond the mundane and embrace the extraordinary.

I am an early riser. My daughter used to joke that I was the first one up with the sun, eager to greet the day. I would make my way to the church, watching in awe while driving as the sky transformed from darkness to light. Those quiet moments spent alone with the sunrise became a sacred ritual for me, a time of quiet contemplation and connection with our beautiful world.

See also Being Aware and Grateful

As I grew older, my love for the beauty of sunrise only deepened. I found solace in those early morning hours before the chaos of the day began. It was a time for me to gather my thoughts, set intentions for the day ahead, and connect with myself on a deeper level. In those moments of stillness and silence, I found clarity and purpose, a sense of direction and focus that stayed with me throughout the day.

The surprise of every sunrise is not just in the light it brings, but in the shadows it reveals. In the soft glow of dawn, I am reminded of the beauty that exists in contrast, of the balance between light and dark, joy and sorrow, growth and decay. It is in this duality that the true essence of life is revealed, a delicate dance of opposites that gives depth and meaning to our experiences.

As I reflect on the surprise of every sunrise, I am filled with a sense of reverence for the natural world and its endless capacity to inspire and awe. The beauty of a sunrise is not just in its visual splendour, but in the emotions it evokes, the memories it stirs, and the connections it fosters. It is a reminder that we are part of something greater than ourselves, a small piece of a vast and wondrous universe that is always unfolding.

One particular morning stands out vividly in my memory. I was going through a difficult time in my life when I was in China, feeling lost and uncertain about the future. As I stood at my window, watching the sun rise over the horizon, I felt a sense of godly peace wash over me. At that moment, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I had the strength and resilience to face them. The beauty of the sunrise gave me hope and renewed my spirit, reminding me that each day is a gift to be embraced and cherished.