The Rising Sun

The other day as I prepared to rise for Mass, I would much have preferred to stay in bed.  Yet I had planned to rise.  Thus by resolute effort of will I shook off the warm covers and slid my feet to the floor, standing a bit shakily as I felt the weakness of my body from insufficient sleep.

Then the window drew my gaze—or rather the sight outside it.  For the sun was just rising, casting glorious golden gleams across the sky and clouds.

That beautiful sight was enough to rouse my heart to joy at being thus awake.  The sky continued glorious as I made my way outside and began the walk so well known and yet now changed with new construction and vanished trees.  My tiredness slipped away as I breathed in the warm, moist air, and I began to feel so alive—so gloriously alive.

Often through my life I have that same experience.  I do not wish to do something—in fact want only to do the opposite—and then I persevere only to experience something glorious like a small gift for my faithfulness. 

There is nothing like the glory of a sunrise.  It always seems like a small glimpse into heaven.  I feel as if this one in particular were prepared just for me to remind me that the Son smiles upon me.  May you find Him smiling upon you as you open your heart to see Him in all the little things as you tread faithfully toward Him!