Seeing Creation

I love to be outside at sunrise and in the light of the early sun. Admittedly, it is easier to do as the days get shorter, but it is still a magical time in any season.

In Psalm 19:4-5, it is written, “In the heavens, He has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.” Now that’s a pretty energetic view of sunrise. Maybe it is worth considering. There is something truly special about that time in nature. The day is fresh and renewed. Possibilities are whatever our imaginations can take us to. While at the end of the day, a sunset may be just as beautiful, but it is when we are thinking about day’s end. All of our work, our challenges, our worries for the day are still with us.

I also find that sunrise is most often a quiet time no matter where you are. Most people don’t get up for sunrise. Yet, most people are up for sunset, so sunsets get more active and much less a quiet time. For me, then, sunrise is a time that really reminds me of Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” When I am out at sunrise in nature, I feel like I want to add an exclamation point to that verse, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

I know, not everyone is a morning person. But to me, if you miss too many sunrises, you are missing one of the great joys of the world God has blessed us with, plus it truly can be a refreshing and uplifting time to be outside. The photo here is up in the Santa Monica Mountains just north of Los Angeles, in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area; the photo was taken shortly after sunrise.

— Rob