I’m sitting upright in bed sipping coffee, and looking out the picture window adjacent our bed. There’s a dusting of snow on the hills across the valley, like sifted icing sugar.
Gerry and I talked recently, about how blessed we are to look out at the majesty of creation first thing every morning. Today, having lived here for five years, the view is like a comfortable, old friend. It is new every morning, like mercy and love.
I am alone, save for the snoring Yorkie at the foot of my bed. Gerry has taken a second cup of coffee downstairs to his desk for his morning devotions. My Bible is on my lap, and I’m about to open it when I notice the most glorious red cresting the mountains to the east.
I toss back the covers and climb out of bed, padding to the window for a better look.
I stand at the window in awe at the beauty of it. For a fleeting moment I consider going for my phone to capture an unsatisfactory image of the glorious dawn. I’m getting better at resisting such urges. I breathe prayer, and watch the changing sky for a while—not long, but enough to be filled. By the time I settle back in my nest, the show in the sky is over.
Later, I will see images on social media of the morning splendour, and I will be glad I didn’t even try to capture it. Some things are best enjoyed, and then released. There will be other mornings—and evenings, too—when the heavens declare the glory that can’t be contained.

My husband and I have our devotions facing the lake surrounded by woods – he and I in different rooms, different times, same objective.
You are blessed and so am I!
We are all, indeed, blessed!
A gorgeous sunrise here this morning too. There have been many here on the prairies the past while. After taking a few minutes away from my desk to gaze at it, I returned to work refreshed – knowing that neither an expensive camera nor a talented painter could capture and reproduce the beauty of what I just witnessed.
I am often struck by your wisdom, Ruth. A good trait for a big sister to have!
The Pacific NW didn’t enjoy a beautiful sunrise this morning, so I am thankful you shared yours. BTW, I can’t believe you moved five years ago. It doesn’t seem that long ago.
Sherrey, sometimes I can hardly believe it’s ONLY five years ago. In many ways, it feels like a lifetime ago since we retired and repatriated. I think that means we’ve settled in nicely. 🙂
Linda, I remember my first visit to the Grand Canyon. I had my camera ready, my tripod slung across my shoulder, and I was ready to capture it all. I was overwhelmed by the beauty and quickly placed all of gear back in the car and simply sat and let the majesty of the place be absorbed into my being.
I believe you made a wise choice, Joan.