He asked me what I preferred, the sunrise or the sunset.  I sat for a moment thinking of my response.   

I love a good sunrise, but there’s something about the sunset that I fondly replay in my mind. All of the times I’ve stayed up late laying in the grass, watching the colors in the sky swirl like cotton candy on a stick and then slowly transform into a vastness of stars that overtake the night.  The sunset allows you to drink in the day, reminding you of its pleasures through its evening sky awash in clouds of pink and peach.  Crickets sing and the sun reddens in its descent, creating a moment words don’t reach.  It’s my time to unwind, my time to collect my thoughts, to reflect on the day and dream about the future.  “Sunset,” I told him.   

When I asked him, “what about you?” He said he preferred the sunrise, the first rays of sun peak over the edge of the earth exploding in a vibrancy of orange and yellow and everything is bathed in a foggy, blissful light.  But I already knew in my mind that’s what he’d say, because sunrises are only captured by those willing to make it happen.  The sunrise sets the tone for the day, holding the promise of adventure.  It’s as if 6:00am is an epiphany that sparks at your fingertips and spreads until your body is overwhelmed by a feeling of adrenaline pumping in your veins.  He’s the kind of guy always ready to face the day and conquer any challenges that come his way. He inspires me to wake up early and seize the dawn as its golden hue lights up the horizon; to be a sunrise chaser, accepting each day’s invitation to step into the unknown and let adventure unfold.           

There’s a sunrise and sunset every single day and they’re absolutely free.  We shouldn’t miss so many of them.  So go out and chase the sunrise, stay up and catch the sunset.  Take notice of the different shades and shapes of clouds everyday.  And in the space between each one, don’t waste time, soak it all in.  Each day is a new wonder to revel in, a new memory to cherish.  

May the sunrise bring you determination, and fill your soul with possibility. May the sunset bring you peace, and see you that much nearer your goals.     

I hope spontaneity guides you as you chase the sunrise and catch the sunset.  

            What new adventures are around the corner? What challenges lie in wait for you to grab hold of and conquer? Who will you meet? Who will you impact and who will impact you?  

            For me, last year was about discovering who I am, figuring out my dreams and ambitions and learning to grow in the Lord. And while I will always continue to grow, this year is about seeking adventure by stepping into the unknown, taking a leap of faith and fully trusting God to lead me wherever I may walk or run whether things go according to plan or not.  Fully embracing the person I know I am, standing by truth, and going to my Lord who has been waiting for me to show up and step into all that He’s promised for my life.  Sometimes God is going to call us to do things we don’t feel comfortable doing- but that doesn’t mean you don’t do it.  You have courage.  You stand tall.  You be vigilant.  You be active.  You be brave and you run the race set before you. No hesitation, just trusting in His promises that never break.     

            "Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,” (Hebrews  11:1).  Sometimes it’s all I can do to read a verse and will myself to believe it.  I wish I could say I was always confident in it.  But often I have to fight for that confidence, which I don’t think is a bad thing.  It’s part of being human, it’s part of the growth process.   

            This year, I want to have faith in the Lord, to remember his faithfulness in my life, and to trust He knows what is best for me and that He will never fail me. To be faithful even when facing the unknown.  

            So, what are you waiting for?  It’s January 1st, 2022.  A new year.  A fresh start.  Have faith.  Step into the unknown and watch adventure unfold as God leads you into all that He has promised for your life.