I’m not a morning person. Not. At. All.
My husband is. For the first 20 or so years of our marriage, he thought if I just kept getting up early (as you have to do with babies, then school-aged children), it would become a habit.
It hasn’t. He finally understands that there are some rhythms that are simply programed in our DNA.
All that to say I’m not sure I’ve ever seen (or at least noticed!) a sunrise in my whole half-century of life. At least not until this fall.
We moved into our east-facing condo last spring. The sun rose early—far earlier than I did. (I am so thankful for room-darkening shades!) But this fall, when the time changed, I suddenly found my normal drag-myself-out-of-bed-and-begin-the-day time came at or before sunrise. Now I know this has obviously happened before. In fact, it apparently happens every single year! But this year I found myself in my living room looking out my wall of windows while drinking my morning coffee into the grayness when suddenly the sky streaked with color and the sun rose, reflecting off the tall glass buildings of downtown.
It was beautiful. And hopeful. It put a smile on my face, a song in my heart, a prayer on my lips. That’s when I realized that I’ve never lived in an apartment or house from which such a sight was possible. Only my floor-to-ceiling wall of windows on the 10th floor offered me this view.
I’ve watched the sun rise fairly often during these past few months. Taken pictures, too. And while I don’t see myself getting out of bed earlier at other times of the year to enjoy the sight, I will now look forward to the shorter autumn and winter days when it is possible.
Which do you prefer—sunrises or sunsets? Why?
Latest posts by D'Ann Mateer (see all)
- Rendezvous Surprises - November 20, 2024
- Our Gracious God - November 6, 2024
- Backyard Days - October 16, 2024
Rebecca A Reed says
I love them both. Though never a morning person when younger, I find that I now enjoy being up alone in the mornings and watching the sun rise. I’ve always been inspired by the beautiful displays created whenever the sun makes and entrance or an exit. I believe they are some of God’s most artistic moments––moments when he speaks to our souls.
Anne Mateer says
Agreed! A reminder that God is still in control–and that He loves beauty, too.
Shirley Chapel says
Definitely sunsets but if I’m up early enough the sunrises are nice too.
Anne Mateer says
Sunsets seem to be a bit more spectacular color-wise, but there is something so hopeful about a sunrise, isn’t there?
Staci says
Beautiful photos! I love to see the sun rise. I am absolutely a morning person.
Anne Mateer says
I can appreciate that! I’m so thankful for morning people! 🙂
tish says
I love both but my favorite is sunrise. It is to me a new day to rejoice.To thank God for another day to remember.
Anne Mateer says
Yes. A sunrise is so full of promise. As Anne of Green Gables would say, “A new day with no mistakes in it yet.”
Alyssa Zech says
I only ever see the sunset. The colors can be so breath taking!!
Anne Mateer says
Lol! That was me, too! But yes, sunset colors are spectacular!
LucyReynolds says
I love both. Nothing like God’s beauty.
Anne Mateer says
So true. I love that He shows us Himself in nature–his power and majesty and beauty and grace.
Hilda says
Have to say I love both sunrises and sunsets. Sunrises represent hope for the day ahead. Sunsets represent peace and rest after a day hopefully well-spent. I admit, I hate winter, mostly for the long nights and the cold. It takes longer to see a sunrise, and the sunset happens way too soon!
Anne Mateer says
I know most people feel that way about winter days. I actually like the long nights because I am a night person, so I feel like the days have more “productive” hours. They don’t, really, but it feels like it. 🙂