What a wonder it is that the sun rises and sets in remarkable shades of pink.

We are so grateful for a glorious blue sky and bright yellow sun, but as I sit here on my porch with a cup of coffee and watch the morning slowly brighten, I am struck how the rising sun eases us into our day. We will fill our days with celebrations of our blessings: work, family, friends; exercise to strengthen or keep our bodies strong; good food to nourish our souls as well as our bodies; and enrichment of our lives with lifelong learning.

It can be a very busy life whether you are young or old, working or retired, out and about or filling your days at home.

But nature knows: you cannot rush into all that busyness. Before you can shine brightly, you must be pink. Pause and reflect on the miracle that is the new day. Take a moment to count your blessings. Listen to the world waking up around you. Take a moment to ease into your day as the day eases into being.

And when the day is done, it does not go out with a sudden drop into darkness, but slowly sets in a glorious pink sky, the life-giving sun easing from blinding white light through all the various shades of orange and pink and red to say, “Take a moment to reflect on the happenings of this day, the good and the bad. Learn from them and be grateful for them. Ease your way out of this day and rest.”