A new day – 3 January 2022

This painting tries to catch the exuberance of the beginning of a day, as the sun rises. Some days begin quietly, as the sun seems to slip quietly over the horizon – not this day! The sun bursts forth its light, more brilliant and exciting than New Year fireworks. It is as though the sky is on fire. As the sun is rising over the sea the light in the sky, scattered and split by clouds, is mirrored in the water beneath, a double blessing. Soon the sun will have risen further, and when the full light of the day is present both the sky and the sea will settle into their familiar appearances. But here in this moment is a beginning, full of possibilities and standing in such contrast to the dark that has preceded the dawn.

We are remined that every day begins with such possibilities, a new start, a chance to begin again. And we are encouraged to consider what our first thoughts could be. Are they hope filled? And our first words? How might we acknowledge life full of expectation?

This painting is ‘Atlantic Dawn’, by R J Brian Coulter,

O Lord, open our lips
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Morning Prayer, opening versicle

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24

Dawn breaks
my heart with its singular wonder,
with the knowledge that it
will never repeat itself.

Every morning
flushes away darkness
to its own tone, to its own
surge of colour,
eliminating dregs of despair.

Why do they say it breaks?
Not broken,
it mends the night’s vagaries
with spreading hope.
In this fresh light
all things are possible,
and anything we can dream,
we can do.

Dawn Breaks, Mary Lou