Sunrise Surprise

[by Angela Robb]

It was dark when we arrived last night for our Christian Fellowship camp and we have plans. Plans for any early risers to explore the beach at 7:30am. Not that I’m expecting that many up early at a student camp, but some might be keen.

And I have plans of my own. Plans to get up at 6am and enjoy some quiet time before the day begins. But as the roosters crow outside, I’m not sure how early it is...maybe 5am? From my cabin bunk, the security lights outside interrupt the darkness so no clues are there, either. I’m awake, but should I get up already?

I decide to get dressed and head to the main hall where I can check the clock and wait until the others get up. But when I arrive there, the doors are locked. Well, I’m not about to go back to bed now that I’m ready for the day. And it’s too cold to sit still outside. I adjust my plans and decide to take a risk.

Following the sound of the surf, I strike out in the dark to find the beach alone. I climb over the gate and wander down the lamp lit road. A few lights from neighbouring houses show signs of human life. In the distance, a red glow suggests dawn is stirring. I trudge towards it, uncertain but curious.

Solid pavement under gumboots softens to sand as I mount the dunes. At the crest I pause. The cold wind smells of salty sea. The darkness stretches wide ahead. Invisible waves surge in a steady roar. Crimson colour deep as blood splits ocean and sky. The faint thread traces the horizon, reaching long.

I can’t help smiling at the glory, this breathtaking beauty here on the edge of the earth. The splendour of His majesty spills through and I drink it in. Does He who paints the sky do it just for fun? There’s hardly any audience to watch the heavens wordlessly announce His greatness. And I am only here to see because He interrupted my plans with locked doors.

Here on the edge of finishing my degree, I wonder what other plans He might interrupt. I have plans of my own—to take certain steps, head in a particular direction. Where might He block the way, redirect my path, and lead me on a less familiar route in days to come? Where might He invite me to venture into unknown darkness and there astound me with more glory than I imagined finding anywhere else, breathtaking beauty so worth the change in plans?

Remember this moment for later, Angela. Remember this when your plans are frustrated and the alternative feels risky. Anticipate that the glory ahead is worth the sacrifice and get ready for the reward.

A familiar phrase comes to mind... “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD and He will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn.” I pause to ponder the significance in this moment. Could my life shine like this, God’s glory pouring through for all to see?

Reluctantly I head back to camp. 7:30am can’t be too far away, and I’ve got friends waiting for the beach walk we planned last night. They might want a peak at glory, too.

Angela Robb is a 3rd year B. Agriculture student and an active member of the Lincoln Uni Christian Fellowship. You can find them on facebook or on Wednesdays at 1pm for lunch in Te Whare. This reflection came from their recent camp, hosted at Hibburt Park.