As an
outdoorsman there are many things within the world of the out of doors that
fill my soul like few other things can. Flickering flames casting across the
faces of your companions. The flocks of waterfowl announcing their arrival to a
statue still lake; or the thunder of a gobbler through southern hardwoods.
These moments and many others bring me closer to my creator than just about
anything.
But of all
the things in the outdoors, I love sunrises the best. The sunrise offers a new
beginning. It brings a hint of a future of all things possible. It promises
that yesterday is gone – with its joys and sorrows, and today is new. Sunrises
are best when shared, but can be glorious when alone. A man who can enjoy being
alone, is a man who knows who he is and where he is going. Admiring a sunrise
alone is a glorious thing to be savored.
Recently I
stood alone along a large farm pond as the sun cast its first light onto the
new day. Thin layers of ice cascaded across the pond; interrupted by stumps
from long forgotten trees and the occasional lily pad that had yet succumbed to
the cold of the winter. The ice caught the rays and glistened with grander as
they hung on for a few last minutes. The mist from the pond was as thick as
smoke as it drifted into the brightening day.
I stood in
awe at this marvelous new sunrise and gave thanks for the beautiful moment I
was thrilled to witness.
Yes, it is
in the moments of sunrise that I feel closest to my creator. As Christmas draws
near and the hustle and bustle of the season seems to drown all meaning from
this holy day. I am taken back to the sunrise and I remember why this season is
so meaningful to me and my loved ones.
We pause to
reflect at this time of year. We reflect on the year that was, and give thanks
for all of the big moments that brought smiles to our faces, accomplishments that
were made and we remember with solace the moments that broke our hearts. Few
years pass by anymore without some heartache for which there is no explanation,
save the reality of it all. Through all of this, I am brought back to the
sunrise. It offers hope; the sunrise offers a sense of peace. It offers a new beginning, a freshness of all
things possible; of all things we are and can be. So my reflections are not of
what was but of things to come.
As the sunrise ushers in a new day – the
Christmas season ushers in a new year. Just as Joseph and Mary looked at their
child and gave praise for their new beginning. I too offer praise for my new
beginning, my new year as I celebrate with them, the “son” rise – God becoming
man so I could have peace, hope and a future to enjoy and embrace.
Yes, I embrace
the sunrise. I embrace the hope, the fresh start if offers and the grace I am
given to have the opportunity to witness again the creation of a new day and a
new life that all began with the son of God coming to cast his glory on all of
creation.
