I’d like to give two different thoughts on a sunrise this morning…consider it two blogs today.

Thought one:  Why do we still call it a sun rise?  Back in the day when the intelligent population believed the earth was the center of the universe and the sun circled it, the idea of a sunrise and a sunset made sense.  But, knowing that our earth is but one of nine (or eight for some) planets that orbit our sun, it seems a little arrogant to say, the sun will rise in the east and set in the west.  The earth is not flat.  We are a sphere that orbits a greater entity and turns as it does.  So, if anything, we “rise” and “set” each day as we view and lose sight of the sun.

Putting a religious spin on that truth, we must also realize that we do not pray to move God to our will, but ourselves to His.  We are not the center of the universe.  God is.  So why do we still arrogantly believe He is there to serve our purposes?  Do we not realize we are here to serve His?  And furthermore, do we not see that it is a privilege to do so?  Think about it.  The being who is the center of the universe, that spoke it into being, wants…He strongly desires a relationship with you and with me.  Isn’t that awesome?

So, as you witness the glory of the sun each morning, take a moment to thank the Son who made it.  Better yet, thank Him for His love.

Thought two:  Coming from the perspective of a person who suffers from depression from time to time, the thought of a sunrise and sunset should be encouraging.  Yes, you could take the half empty approach and say it’s always going to get dark at some point.  Yes, the cycle continues.  And, we could if we so wished, take on the voice of Eeyore and say, “Oh bother,” as if there is no reason to go on in life.  Or, we could take the half full approach and say, yes, it may be dark, but soon the light will pierce this darkness and brighten into day.

There’s always a day that follows the night.  Always a light that pierces the darkness.  Always a Son who is reaching into your darkest places to offer hope, love, and life.  Take His hand and you will never have to walk in darkness again.  Take the hand of the Son of God, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World.  Then you will understand what He meant by a “full and meaningful life.”

Have a great day!

Mitchell