* Is there anything as wonderful as a sunrise? Well, actually yes…a sunset. Talk about God’s faithfulness. He blesses us first thing in the morning and bookends the day with yet another beautiful blessing. He does this for us every single day without fail. These paintings in the sky are beautiful reminders that we are on God’s mind all day, every day.
Confession…I’m not really a morning person. It’s not that I sleep late and need my coffee in order to carry on a conversation. I would just rather wake up at my own pace and start my day quietly. One winter morning, which just so happened to be my birthday, I looked out the kitchen window and was in complete awe of the sky. The only sunrise view I have is right between the two houses behind me, but what a view it was that morning. It was like an amazingly beautiful, framed painting and God was saying Happy Birthday…I made you something! What an amazing gift!
Last summer, my husband and I went on a special cruise with my parents. I previously said that I’m not exactly a morning person, however, cruise mornings are different. One of the ports was Nassau, Bahamas. I saw this lighthouse in the distance and couldn’t stop looking at it as we drifted closer. The sun had already risen and was hidden behind the clouds, but the way it was still shining over the water made me feel like something special was ahead of me. We were cruising slowly around this piece of land and I had a wonderful view of the lighthouse. All the sudden, the sun found a break in the clouds and we were perfectly in line with the lighthouse. I took a few quick pictures and this one turned out to be my favorite. Again…look at what God did! His timing was perfect.
I used to live out in the country where I had a beautiful, clear view of the sunset. I found myself going out to my front porch every evening just to stare at the horizon. Back then, I knew it was a pretty sight, but I don’t know that I fully appreciated just how beautiful and meaningful it was at the time. Now, living in a neighborhood, I don’t get that amazing view just outside my door. I have to make a point to see it. Fortunately, God has made his creation available anywhere I go. I just have to make a point and take the time to appreciate it. And that I do.
A sunset over the water is absolutely beautiful. Once it starts, it happens so quickly and you think it’s over, but then the real show begins. The sky goes from orange to pink to purple and brown and then all the sudden the colors take over the entire horizon. In addition to the colors, I love when a tree on the land or a boat on the water or something else special comes between you and the sunset and it becomes just a silhouette against the colorful horizon. Before you know it, it’s dark. Another day has come and gone and it’s time to rest.
I think God made sunsets so beautiful because you can’t help but notice them. I can’t look away from those colors. I think it’s one of God’s ways of slowing us down and giving us a chance to appreciate all that the day had to offer. Just think, this gift is only a tiny glimpse into what God has waiting for us in heaven.
Great writing! Your words paint as pretty a picture as your photos. Keep going!!
Thank you! I’m so happy you enjoyed reading and that I have the opportunity to share with you!
This brought to mind times past when my hubby and I would celebrate New Year’s Day by taking our thermos of coffee (and maybe some donuts) and drive somewhere in order to watch the first sunrise of the new year. Sometimes the weather kept us home. Sometimes the sunrise was just “ordinary”. Sometimes we were blessed with a glorious display of God’s handiwork! Sometimes we lived in an area where we could watch from the comfort of our own home. Thanks for the memory!
What a beautiful and nostalgic read! Your description of watching the first sunrise of the new year with your hubby is so heartwarming. It’s amazing how such simple traditions can hold so much meaning and create lasting memories. I can almost picture the thermos of coffee and donuts, and the anticipation of that first glimpse of the sun. It’s inspiring how you find beauty in both the ordinary and the extraordinary moments. Do you still keep this tradition, or has it evolved over the years? I’d love to hear more about how you celebrate new beginnings now!
What a lovely and heartfelt story! Your tradition of watching the first sunrise of the new year with your hubby sounds so special and meaningful. It’s incredible how such simple moments can create such lasting memories. I can almost feel the warmth of the coffee and the excitement of that first sunrise. It’s inspiring how you find beauty in both the ordinary and the extraordinary. Do you still keep this tradition, or has it evolved over the years? I’d love to hear more about how you celebrate new beginnings now! What other traditions do you have that bring you joy and connection?
What a beautiful and touching story! It’s amazing how such simple moments, like watching the first sunrise of the year, can hold so much meaning and create lasting memories. I can almost feel the warmth of the coffee and the excitement of that first glimpse of the sun. It’s inspiring how you find beauty in both the ordinary and the extraordinary. Do you still keep this tradition, or has it evolved over the years? I’d love to hear more about how you celebrate new beginnings now! What other traditions do you have that bring you joy and connection? Your story really makes me think about the importance of cherishing those small, meaningful moments in life. How do you think these traditions have shaped your relationship over the years?
This story truly captures the essence of simple yet profound moments in life. The idea of greeting the first sunrise of the year with a thermos of coffee and donuts is so beautifully human. It’s fascinating how such a tradition can carry so much weight, connecting us to memories, nature, and loved ones. Your words remind me of the importance of cherishing the little things, whether the sunrise is ordinary or breathtaking. Do you think this tradition would feel the same if you lived somewhere without the ability to see the sunrise so clearly? Also, how do you think this ritual has shaped your perspective on new beginnings over the years? I’d love to know if you’ve ever inspired others to start their own version of this tradition!