This morning I went on a hike at 5:30 AM. When the alarm went off every part of me wanted to slam the off button and go back to bed.  Instead, I jumped out of bed and reminded myself of why I was up so early.

Today I was going to experience a brand new day and I wanted this day to begin with the morning darkness.

Each day that we wake up is an opportunity to start new, we have been given this day to do whatever we want to do with it!  The darkness began the mystery of what was ahead, my adventure was to find the light, the glow, the sunrise that would lead me into what this day holds.

I met a friend and together we started our hike. Bundled in sweatshirts, sweatpants, gloves, and a hoodie we followed the dirt path. No one was out this early so nature was ours. The broken branches on the trail, the silent sound of the cold wind, a Hawk that followed our every move, we were in the middle of the beginning of a new day.

The darkness became lighter and the view of our trail was easier to see. Miles of hills and bushes filled with colors of fall.

People started to join us, on foot and by bikes. The sounds of silence became sounds of footsteps, music from radios, and people chatting.

When we reached the top, we watched the sun slowly rise. The blinding light came over the hills and behind the trees. It took its time to finish rising. We watched until it was done.

Our new day was here. It came right before our eyes.

We need to teach our children the value of darkness, the excitement that comes when you wait for the light. The beauty in the calmness in life, and the intrigue of the chaos

Most importantly, a new day is here once, enjoy every moment you can, from sunrise to sunset and back again.

Even better, enjoy it with a friend.