I haven’t always been a morning bird. In fact, I would have much rather stayed up late into the night and slept during the day. However, over time I have grown to value the mornings. I have found that in Haiti they are a huge comfort!
It was normal for me to wake up at 7:20. I had some time to spend with the Lord and then head to our 8:30 meeting. As the days passed, I realized I wasn’t satisfied with the little amount of time I had in the morning. I have progressively got up earlier to the point where I now am awake and making coffee by 6:00 and heading to the loft of our house by 6:10.
I always wait with anticipation to see what the sunrise will look like that day. Not one has looked the same, yet every single one of them is a beautiful portrait of God’s creativity. It’s these few moments, before the sun peaks over the silhouette of the mountains, that has become my favorite part of the day.
There is something about being awake before the rest of the community and to experience the peace and quiet before the day gets crazy. There is something about just staring at the mountains that surround me and remind me of how small I am. There is something about it being dark when I first go up to the loft. Then, as the minutes pass the light illuminates everything around me.
I’ve learned to appreciate and savor the little things. The things that are often overlooked. I’ve learned in these moments that every morning is a start to brand new opportunity. By observing these sunrises, I’ve learned that the smallest amount of light completely breaks the darkness that preceded it. That brings me hope, because even though the mountains remind me of my insignificance, the light reminds me of my potential impact.
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it give light to the whole house. In the same way let your light so shine before men that they may see you good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”