Morning Dawn

My Journal - Agatha Nolen

Sunrise, Sea of Galilee, November 2011

I’ve been a morning person most of life with a hospital career that often started at 6AM or earlier. I took up photography later in life and learned that the “magic hours” for outdoor photographs are either first thing in the morning (right before sunrise until 30-40 minutes after the sun has risen), or right before the setting sun. During this time, the sun is low on the horizon and filtered through atmospheric particles that scatter blue light and allow warm light (such as reds, oranges, and yellows) to pass through. When this warm light strikes clouds, landforms, and other objects, the results are colorful and photogenic. When the sun is near an unobstructed horizon, it gives off an intense light that bathes objects and scenes in red and gold.

We’ve been in a dark period for quite a while as a nation and as a global partner. My spirits were lifted when I got an appointment for my first COVID-19 shot, and friends express the happiness that vaccination has brought into their lives. Who would have imagined that the world would be so focused on one effort, together?

In Isaiah 58:8 we read:

“Then your light will burst forth like the dawn,

and your healing will quickly appear;

then your righteousness will go before you,

and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.”

Reflecting on my life, there were times of physical and emotional challenges, where I felt darkness. But in each case, the light did burst in with a colorful sunrise of a new day, bathing my face in a warm glow as I felt God’s healing and protection.

Perhaps as the sun creeps across the continents it will have the same effect: to show us all the glory of the Lord. Our healing will be complete as we face this adversity where there are no strangers, but only friends.

Blessings, my friend,
Agatha