Reflections

By Chaplain Kelly Brooks

There is something about watching the sunrises and sunsets of the summer that remind us of the beauty of the world. Sunrises push away the darkness and bring light into the world. It reminds us that every day we wake up to a new opportunity on the horizon, a renewed sense of hope and joy. Whatever has occurred yesterday was yesterday, and now as the sun breaks through, we have a chance to move forward with a fresh perspective. Sunrises also remind us that we are part of a bigger picture in the world. At some time during a 24-hour period, the same sun will rise in the east everywhere.

It is this fresh possibility that our patients and residents wake up to every morning. An opportunity to walk farther, breathe deeper, swallow better. I am grateful for our amazing staff that wake up with an attitude of compassion and hopefulness. They bring in with them a knowledge and expertise that empowers and motivates our patients and residents to get out of bed and find the courage to face another day.

The Rakers must have seen a beautiful sunrise the day they accepted Viola Hunt into their home. It was just the start of a movement to care for the disabled in the community. It is in this same light that we continue to care for those in need of healing, encouragement and support.

At the same time, sunsets bring a splendor all their own. They are proof that no matter how our day went, no matter what joy or trials we have encountered, our day can still end beautifully. n

Genesis 1: 3-5 called “night.”

And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.