The end of the school year marks the beginning of early morning bike rides for me.

For a few weeks during summer months when my children and I don’t have to be ready at 7:00 AM, I can pedal into the dawn on country roads.

Sometimes, the fog still clings to the fields, and I can almost see the ghosts of Civil War soldiers who once walked the land.

Usually, the deer and rabbits momentarily stop nibbling the leaves and grass to watch me pedal by.

And, during those early morning hours, the songs of the birds can be enjoyed without the roar of  traffic and other human noises to dull them.

All of this occurs as the sun is slowing making its daily appearance and providing me with advice.

The sunrise tells me that the beauty of nature is evidence that humankind will never master the paintbrush like God can.

The sunrise whispers the importance of taking time to enjoy the moment instead of constantly anticipating the moments that are yet to come.

The sunrise reminds me that it is simply a reflection of life – constantly changing with time and the vantage point from which we observe it.

The sunrise says that it will never fail me. Even if I can’t see it through the clouds of a dark, gray day, it is still there holding the same promise that it does on a bright, sunny day.

And the sunrise shouts that it will always be a wonderful gift to be treasured.

School may be out for the summer, but the wise sunrise is ensuring the lessons haven’t stopped.