"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it"

- Psalm 118:24

This morning I had class at 9 a.m. I dread getting up at 8:20 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. As a college student, I value sleep above most other things, and I get every minute I can before getting up at such an "early" time. However, this morning was different. I woke up at 6 and could not go back to sleep. I didn't go to bed until after 1 last night, so I knew I'd be running on less than 5 hours of sleep all day. I forced myself to get up and get something accomplished.

After I washed my face and brushed my teeth, I went and looked outside the window on my hall to see what the weather was like (it has been raining for the past 4 days, so I was curious). While looking outside, I saw the beautiful Appalachian Mountains with the sunrise hiding behind them. I'm not a poetic person or someone who really understands the aesthetic of things, but the pure beauty of this place I get to call my partial home astounded me. It also made me realize something I have been overlooking these past few weeks of school.

I only have two weeks left of my freshman year, and even though I love Boone, I want to be home with my family and old friends. I have been wishing away these past few weeks. I even have a "days until home" countdown on my dry erase board in my room. Looking at the beauty of the mountains this morning made me realize not only how beautiful this place is, but how much I will miss it. I only have 3 more years here, and they will go by fast enough. Why am I wishing these days away when I should be enjoying every second?

I know we get caught up in school, grades, work, and so many other responsibilities, but sometimes everyone needs to take a step back and enjoy the moment. Even though these next few weeks of finals and late nights are going to kick my butt, I am going to try my best to enjoy the things I love about my school the most.

This isn't only a reminder for college or high school students, but for people not in school, too. I know school teachers are wishing for that summer break, and others may be saying "just get through this week" every week, but time is so precious. Don't make life go faster than it already does.

This morning, I was mad that I unintentionally woke up that early, but maybe God wanted me too. He knew I'd been rushing these last weeks in Boone and not appreciating what I had. I'm now so glad I woke up this morning and looked outside. It reminded me of my favorite bible verse, Psalms 118:24. We all need to rejoice everyday for a new day, because it is God giving us another opportunity to better ourselves and to do something good.

I definitely encourage y'all every now and then wake up early and watch the sunrise. As cliche as it sounds, it might help you see the beauty in something you might have been overlooking. Rejoice today, and be glad in it.