Sunrise/Sunset

I'm loving my new home in Idaho, watching the sun rise above the roof tops from my bedroom window and sitting on my patio watching the sun set behind me at night.  Sitting outside, meditating and pondering my life, has given me pause to think of how the sun has risen and set for millions of years.  Billions of people have watched it rise and set, much the same way as I do.  My ancestors must have looked up from the fields or ships and marveled at the sky.  It's interesting to me to think of what each new day will bring as the sun peeks out and says good morning.  Each day can be different, each day the same.  

My days have been busy these last few weeks.  The house is unpacked, pictures hung and my garden is taking off.  I found a great gym with a new trainer (Sarah is kicking my butt and making me work, my previous trainers will be pleased).  Kristina and I have found new stores, hairdressers and nurseries.  Each day brings something new but I think about other new days, new times in life, new adventures.  There has always been trips to plan, friends to visit and family to call, nothing much has changed that way.  We adapt to our lives in new surroundings, new phases and new situations.

But then I think back to the very beginning, in Genesis 2, what did Adam experience each day?  Imagine, waking up in the Garden of Eden, with God and nature.  Was Adam hungry, wanting his breakfast? Was Adam lonely, seeking companionship?    Imagine, sitting alone in the garden and God speaking to him, telling him he'd create the perfect companion from his rib!  Imagine, when Adam watched the sunset that same night, Eve was with him, enjoying life.  What a glorious thought, especially for one who is still faithfully searching for that love and companion.

Ponder even further into history; Saint Paul waking up one morning, watching the sun come up and planning a new day of persecution of those following The Word.  Imagine, how that same day Paul began his journey on the road to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him and rendered Paul blind with scales on his eyes.  Three days later, Saint Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit and could see again but as a new and changed man, a humbled man.  How many of us have had our lives completely changed in a matter of 24 hours?  Imagine how if we just opened our eyes to love, how our lives would be so different.  

I also imagine people in history, waking up to trials and difficulties.  I am a student of history, especially World War II.  I think of Anne Frank, in her hideaway, watching the sun rise through a tiny window, with such trust and dedication.  I imagine Anne falling asleep each night, with thoughts of her family and her friends.  I wonder if she worried about being picked up and sent away, which is what happened.  At the end, Anne woke up and fell asleep looking at the sun from a concentration camp window but she was still faithful to God.  What courage, what dedication, what faith!

I think of the various saints, servants and those who pray with open hearts in the morning as the sun rises. What are the prayers that God heard?  God answers prayer but not always the way we want.  God always hears what we are asking but sometimes, he just knows better.  I keep telling myself that, especially after recent disappointments in my life but I know who to trust.  

How many sunrises and sunsets have we all witnessed within our lifetimes?   How has life taken a dramatic turn in a span of 24 hours?  How many of us have been humbled to the core like Saint Paul, filled with wonder like Anne Frank or been blessed with a companion like Adam?  How many of us count our blessings daily, thanking God?  I try to, I always do actually, for the good and the bad. 

In conclusion, who should we put our faith, hope and trust in?  Human beings are just what they are, human and to put our faith in humans is foolishness.  I have put my trust in God, who knows me best.  I can only try to be as faithful as Adam, Paul or Anne.  Tonight, as I sit on my porch, watching the sun set in the west, how was my day?  What lesson did I learn today, what new surprise did I encounter? What will tomorrow bring?  I can't wait to find out but with faith and an open heart.