This morning was one of those times when I woke up prior to 5:00 A.M. I quietly went into the dining room where I could sit and pray without disturbing others and watch the sun gently rise over the horizon. Although I am typically not a “morning person” and would prefer to watch a sunset as opposed to a sunrise, the opportunity to witness this marvelous component of sacred order to our existence was just what I needed today. A few events in recent days had led me to feel a bit on the discouraged side and that is a downward spiral I try to avoid if possible. I would not have expected to see the virtue of hope just after 5:00 A.M., but it is hard to feel defeated in life when you witness the magnificence of the Creator in a beautiful sunrise.
The challenges and struggles of life are present for each of us. Some people I know are carrying huge burdens of suffering. God blessed me this morning with a powerful reminder of the magnitude of His love and His power. Whatever cross we find ourselves currently enduring, it is my prayer that we embrace it with the certainty of God’s love in our midst. Take time to enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset, or at least stop and smell the flowers.