Dawn of a New Year

Most mornings I awaken very early now...insomnia has had a hold on me since the kidney disease has progressed. Although there aren't too many benefits to losing sleep...to be awake in time for the sunrise is a true exception. This morning was extremely chilly outdoors. It was down to 12 degrees outside and the wind was howling. Tree branches flayed about and many of them snapped and fell to the ground. The electricity went out during the evening, and, if not for the warmth provided by our woodstove, we would have turned to popsicles.

After adding another log to the fire, I wrapped myself in a blanket and waited for the light of day to appear on the horizon. The colors were spectacular...starting off soft and almost powdery and then igniting in brilliance, as the red ball of the sun rose over the mountains in the distance. Just gazing at the sun's glow made me feel warm and at peace.

This beautiful sight that occurs in the sky each day is free for all to see. Wouldn't it make a difference if all of us would pause to revel in nature's beauty? For me, it is so awe inspiring, so tremendously powerful to realize with gratitude that I was granted the gift of life on earth, giving me the opportunity to revel in, as well as be a part of, life's splendors. It also makes me wonder how anyone can take life for granted or choose anything but a peaceful existence...with so much to experience, learn, and share...and really so little time in the scheme of things.

2010 is the dawn of a new year and a new decade. The last ten years were times too often overshadowed by greed, war, and personal suffering...all taking their toll on the collective human spirit. Perhaps, though, these very digressions can help us rethink our life's purpose. Thinking a little less of self and a little more for the other guy, we can all move forward with more grace, honor, and gratitude...remembering always that life is a gift.