A new dawn
The rising sun casts an arc of light into the sky on Wednesday in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
The radiant moments just before and after sunrise may not get all the attention they deserve. We rush here and there, we don't look up. That's certainly true on days that begin with some clouds, or a bit of haze on a slightly warmer morning, when a less spectacular display of light is expected.
And yet, even when the sky isn't entirely blue, the sun rises, and with its power, tested over the ages, it sends forth a powerful light, a herald of illuminating grace.
While driving through Woodstock, Vermont, in the early hours of Wednesday, the rising sun had a majestic glow, projecting a silvery hue onto nature's winter glory. Down the mountains, over the Ottauquechee River and to the village street where I pointed my camera, came the brilliant light — an unexpected moment, captured and cherished, its own reward.
It was the dawning of a new day, a new beginning for the country on an historic Inauguration Day, welcoming a new president, and the first woman, African American and Asian American to hold the vice presidency. Adversity tried to delay this new dawn, even stop it entirely. But democracy could only keep shining, so very brightly, with a steadfast, rock-solid resolve emanating from its sturdy foundation. Its light wasn't hidden, diminished, or broken. It increased, propelled by a flood of hope from the millions of Americans watching special moments unfold, one after the other.
Still, for others in our great country, this light was darkness. The calls for unity rang hollow on their ears, perhaps stirred anger in their hearts. At this moment, the grace of compassion and the soft voice of love, is the only answer for discontent, frustration, anger or hate. It doesn't matter where on the political spectrum those negative qualities appear — we must always counteract them with goodness, with love, meekness and compassion. To secure a better future for all, our best qualities must direct our progress and be our stalwart guides in the darkness.
This clouded night of obstacles lines the path toward eventual unity, because there will always be challenges to overcome. Along the way, they will demand more of our collective strength as we press on toward the brighter dawn. As William Shakespeare said, "Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head."
Today, the jewel we seek is a stronger, more unified, and more just society, operating genuinely for the greater good. The most powerful aspect of sunlight, is that it shines equally for all. Whatever your background, whatever your politics, this new dawn offers the opportunity to repair the fabric of a divided country, step by step. With love, empathy and compassion driving it, the work of unity can be uplifting for everyone, just as the light of dawn shares its brilliance with all people.
— Gareth Henderson
