Brand New Day
February 2, 2011
I took the photo above on an afternoon when, sitting in our hotel room, I watched a storm move across Tokyo. Dark clouds hung over parts of the city far in the distance and then slowly made their way across Tokyo Bay and towards us. I was expecting to see and hear big fat raindrops pelting our window, but what happened instead was the briefest of snow flurries. One instant I was looking as closely as I could outside ~ almost pressing my nose against the window ~ to confirm they were, in fact, snow flurries, and the next instant they were gone. Then almost just as quickly, the sun began to peek out from behind the storm front that continued to move past us, revealing the blue sky above.
On another morning last week my husband and I both woke up before sunrise, and once we each realized we were both awake ~ still lying in bed in the dark ~ I suggested we watch the sunrise. When the shades were drawn open, we saw this:
And before too long, we were rewarded with this:
The photo doesn’t really do it justice, especially not the moment the sun began to burst above the horizon, a brilliant, flaming red like a giant ruby above the urban landscape of grays, whites, and silvers. And it can’t possibly capture the time I spent sitting at our window, watching the sky brighten tiny bit by tiny bit, savoring the beginning of a new day like I hadn’t in I don’t know how long. This was the Beginning of a New Day. This was a present unwrapping itself before my eyes. This was a tiny sliver of time when all I did was watch the sun and earth do the same work they do every day, day after day after day, whether or not I notice it, whether or not I celebrate it, whether or not I offer it any gratitude.
Sitting in the middle of Tokyo that morning, watching the city come alive, I was reminded of what an extraordinary gift we are given each day ~ which is the day itself. We bemoan growing old, the signs of age, the way our bodies don’t let us do as much as they once used to past a certain age. But considering how many things can go horribly wrong on any given day ~ considering the memory I have of the day I learned my 14-year old classmate was killed in a car accident, or the day I got the phone call telling me my best friend’s 18-year old brother died in another one ~ I’ll take the tiny signs of age that are beginning to creep in, because they remind me of the long life I’m living.
I don’t know how many more sunrises I’ll make the effort to watch so intently, and that might very well be the last time I see the sun rise in Japan. But I still might get to smell the air in China, watch my puppy grow into a dog, hold my husband’s hand, and write a few more stories. I’ll take every ounce, every inch, every moment that I can ~ for all it’s worth, for all it will allow, for all it will let me inhale.
Amen to this. Every moment is a chance to meet life with eyes and arms wide open. I’m so thankful for each kiss from my babies, each night spent warm in my bed, each hour of quiet with my husband, every act of kindness from a friend. Life is good.
so beautiful. all of it.
i love watching all the good
stuff. and i miss you too.
so happy you had another visit
again
In the past few months I have lost several people close to me, and in addition to the onslaught of several other emotions, their deaths have given me pause in a similar way. This moment, this day, the calendar year 2011 is something they did not get to see. They didn’t get to see the way the snow fell just so and sat ever so still in the trees. They didn’t get to taste that dessert I made or hear that new piece of music or meet the newest member of our extended family. And my days slow as I consider that all I am experiencing–even the most mundane of things–they are unable to, so shouldn’t I cherish it–at the very least NOTICE it–more? As a human being, living and breathing in this moment, I feel I owe it to them. I now must live for both myself and them.
so beautiful. I was wondering how your trip was! Sounds like it was a wonderful one.
What a beautiful post. beautiful photos, you’re so right. every day is the gift! thank you for this reminder, christine!
YES!
Christine,
Your post was so beautiful that it made my me cry. Thank you for putting into words sentiments that, so far, I couldn’t put into words myself. Your words are a true gift.
Beautifully written Christine! It really is all about appeciating each moment and realising that there will be none other the same as this one.
I remember these awakenings, too. The present moment has a way of lifting a person above the mundane for just a glimpse of the big picture. I treasure those moments, even ones that remind me of loss, because it was in those seconds that I felt the most grateful to be alive. I felt the commitment to savor it and make it worthwhile. Thank you for sharing this snapshot and capturing the present to bring home to the future.
Dear Christine,
Sunrise – my favourite part of the day. On those days I am up early enough to witness the changing of the sky through my little kitchen window, I’ve always felt a huge sense of gratitude….and now,thanks to your words, I now know. Another amazing post from you. Love, S. xxxx
Thank you, Christine. I needed this.
thank you my friend for the reminder…i tend to get so caught up in things that i forget to notice this day and this moment. i love you…xoxo
‘For all if will let me inhale’ sent tingles down my spine!
beautiful.
thank you!
Beautiful words & pictures Christine. Thank you.
Wow! This I could (should) read everyday. I simply love this and all the truth it holds.:)
Amen to that sister. And because this day will not be like yesterday, or tomorrow, it seems only good and right to try and have it be the best one possible.
It’s been ages since I’ve seen a sunrise. Must be about time…
x
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
Thank you for this little window into your world.
After reading this I looked up from my laptop and found that the sky outside my window was turning into evening. Instead of my usual nod to the sunset, I got up, opened my window wide, climbed onto my desk and sat to watch it. Quietly. Me and the tree tops and the clouds, the parting sun and the traffic sounds from the street below. The sky was so beautiful, breath-taking really. And I was quiet, and grateful and happy. Thank you.
absolutely beautiful – loving the pics – thanks for sharing them!!
These pics are so beautiful And the post is so nice. Yes everyday is not like same day everyday in the morning we wake up and we wish that this day will be the best day of our life.Thanks for the post and for the sharing.