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Who doesn’t love an amazing sunrise? Admittedly, many won’t get up cheerfully to see one. However, on the off-chance that someone is working, travelling, or meeting someone at the time when the sun “rises” the spectacular moment is enough to take your breath away.
That ancient adage that says, “It is always darkest just before the dawn.” captures the common human experience so well. Whether it is an aesthetic moment or a life trial that leaves us exhausted and worn out, light is a comfort to any of us who has been caught in “darkness.”
Jesus knows our struggles. When he announces that he is the light of the world, that is punctuation of the hope that he brings to any who turn to him. That is a personalized relief that is not known from any other source. Ahh! Jn9
Have you ever wondered who the crazy guy is who set the alarm clock at 3:20AM with an ETD for 3:55AM? Yeah, it was me. It would take an hour to hit my rendezvous point and then to head to Galveston Island for a day of fishing with a buddy.
Once the two of us adventurers hooked up we loaded up our gear into his car. Then, it was another long drive to our next stop, bait camp. This time our long stretch was filled with great conversation.
A pint of live shrimp would do. Yes, we stood in line behind a dozen other hearty souls. Everyone was ready to chase their evening meal and fill their freezers with great food for the next several months.
We drove our vehicle on to the automobile ferry. The day began to wake up while we leaned over the rail and enjoyed the cool breezes and sounds of calling seagulls. Today the rising sun captured the silhouette of a shrimp boat trying to make a living for its captain and crew.
Hard work and daily work and very early work is the life of a shrimper. They were smart men, experienced men, and persistent men. Yet, they were at the mercy of how God orders the cycle of life of the decapod crustaceans. Some call them the broader category of these creatures: Caridea.
Fish like to eat them, so they just serve a particular purpose for me. We have often joked that we could quit fishing on a lousy weather or bite day and just cook and eat our own bait. No matter how many times we joke about it, we still laugh.
Now, it was time for us to cast our lines. Our first efforts paid off. Fish tugged and pulled. They tried to get away but when they took our bait, their destiny was sealed.
The few hours that we invested in the morning were filled with fun moments of fighting fish, marveling at the variety of species, and taking in the sunrise when we had a moment to reflect on the Creator’s provision both for food and for serenity. It was going to be a good day, a very good day. Any day starting with fishing made the day excellent and filled up the beginning week with only more good served up by the generous hand of the Almighty.
photo by brucefong photography
When my alarm clock starts its gentle marimba tune, our bedroom is very dark. Our human activity kicks in and we share our bathroom to get ready for the day. Like preprogrammed robots we move about the house with a well-planned and well-rehearsed routine.
While it is still dark outside we load our vehicle and start our 40 minute commute. We travel down I-10 and join 100,000 other vehicles who are also starting their day. Our journey is so much easier than so many since the two of us qualify for the High Occupancy Vehicle lane.
All of the vehicles have their headlights on. At this early hour it is like driving at night. There are plenty of street lights but having lights on is a safety measure so that others can see us.
But, the night never lasts forever. Instead, as certain as we are about life’s most important standards and guarantees, a sunrise is going to happen. When it shows up, it will chase away the darkness as if it was melting butter on a hot pan.
The sky first becomes lighter. Shades of grey appear as if the sky is being diluted from its pitch black domination. Then, on the horizon there is a beacon of orange light.
Our commute is progressing well while the show on the horizon stage is unfolding. There is no stopping it now. Day is on its way.
Grey skies burst into an orange pallet of brilliant color. Fiery red blazons the horizon. Rays of yellow blast out from where the sun is moving with deliberate unhurried speed.
When darkness shrouds a spirit to hang with gloom and doom, the light is overpowering. Hope is restored. Smiles have a reason to emerge with determination.
Headlights from so many vehicles no longer dominate the scene. Instead, every driver, even the grumpy ones, have to gaze to the horizon and at least appreciate it if not mentally breaking out into a happy dance. The Creator who repeats this performance with grand elegance never charges a fee.
Can you imagine? The most splendid show is absolutely complementary. Seating is never a problem.
When life gets tough and circumstances get rough, remember how you began your day. Love the promises and the truths that are wrapped up in the grandeur of that stunning light show. God did that to remind you that He is real, He is here and His love for us is unending.
photo credit: brucefong cellphone photography
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