Sunrise, Sunset

The sun comes up in the morning and it goes down at night.  Or, if you prefer, the good Earth spins on its axis, rolling so that our part of the world sees the sun each day and the absence of sun each night.

In the morning, as the sun rises, we have the opportunity to wake up to something special and every evening there is a chance to reflect on a day well-lived as the sun sets. 

Not every day has a start that brings grand anticipation, nor is every night begun with a glorious conclusion to the day that has been.  This is true for sunrise and sunset, just as it is for each day we live our lives.  Sometimes, we just aren't ready for what is coming our way.  The sun pops up from behind the trees or the buildings we have in our lives and we barely notice.   

There are days when we're just as happy to see the sun setting and the only glory we get from it is the fact that this day, at least, is no longer a problem for us to solve.  Though, it may feel like the problems of that particular day will live on.

There are days when the clouds lay thick and heavy over our world and we wonder if the sun is even there.  Then, there are days like this, where the clouds only accentuate the beauty of the day to come - or the day that was.

On those days when the sun is hidden from us, we can look in our memories for those days when it wasn't.  Or, we can anticipate its reappearance - facing ourselves west or east, whichever is appropriate, to catch a glimpse of fire and gold. 

Some days begin more subtly, softly emerging and barely announcing their arrival to the rest of us.  If we are alert, we can see them.  If we pay attention, we just might find as much beauty in their muted colors as we do on those days when they loudly proclaim the changing of the guard from day to night or night to day.

There are times when a sunrise or sunset doesn't beg for our attention.  Instead, they ask us to pay attention to blue skies and white clouds.  Sometimes, they just want you to see the flowers in a different light.  

Maybe.  Just maybe, once you've seen what it is you should see, you can then be dazzled by the light show on the horizon.  Or is it possible you've seen as much as you needed to fill your cup?

Then, there are those days that start or conclude with a fanfare.  These mornings and evenings loudly proclaim that you must stop what you are doing.

And marvel at what you are witnessing.

What artist could do any better than this?  Or maybe we aren't worried about comparisons here.  Just stand, or sit, and enjoy.

Last, but certainly not least, there are those rare transitions from one time of day to the next that call for more than your attention.  They call for you to do something to remember them.  Take a picture with your mind.  Take a picture with your camera.  Sketch it.  Write music to it.  Hum your own tune that no one else will hear.  Or give thanks.

We have opportunities to cultivate awe and wonder in our lives each time the sun rises and the sun sets.  Take advantage of them when you can.  And imprint them into your soul as a reminder of beauty and joy.