Sunrise

During a retreat this past week in Cascade, Idaho, I woke one morning when it was still very early and very dark. I walked slowly down the path toward the lodge, staring up at the vast sky filled with stars.

A hot cup of freshly prepared tea in hand, I stood on the deck of the lodge for about an hour as a dim light began to glow over the mountains, the stars faded, the sky filled slowly with color, and the fog lifted. By the time breakfast began, the air was bright and a beautiful day was well underway.

Reliable sources tell me the sun rises in Cascade around 7:40 a.m. this time of year. When I left the cottage early that morning, I did so with full confidence in the coming daylight. I was content to wait, trusting it would come at the expected time.

Sometimes it is more difficult to wait, especially when the outcome is unknown and the timing, too. In such times, the night can seem awfully long.

Still I am reminded that, even in the midst of dark times, the sun always rises eventually, and I am grateful for that hope.