Thoughts about the Sun/Son

Sunrise over Queen's Creek

I got up extra early this morning, as do many on Easter Sunday, to attend a sunrise service. As New Quarter's park interpreter, I've always wanted to get out there and take some photos of the annual Easter Sunrise Service. Amazingly enough, I rallied and did it today.

As I marveled at the sun, trees, and creek view, and listened to the chorus of birds, I was indeed transported. It made me think about a lesson I'd had in Geology about the beginnings of the universe. Somewhere in the information about supernovas and elements the author of the textbook made the point that "we are all stardust," and I like to remember that from time to time. It's simply awesome how heat and energy and elements have combined and recombined for more than 4.5 billion years until they have coalesced to make the Earth's environment that enlivens us and our human brain that are curious and thoughtful enough to continually try to sort it out.

While I was in awe of the sun, our star, I picked up on the thread of Rev. Chestnut's sermon (this link will lead you to a passage on Facebook) where he said it was not the sun but the Son that should be our reason for joy. Oh boy. Here's where I have a problem. I was brought up as a Southern Baptist so I know the drill. It took me a long time to realize that this dogged belief just wasn't comfortable for me. While I'm happy enough to think that the historic Jesus was a great prophet and leader of men during a troubled time in the Mediterranean world, his current popularity is really a product of Western Civilization and, especially in the U.S., the reaction of some Christians against developments in science. Such dogged belief, rather than analysis of history and continual search for knowledge,  is the source of much happiness and pain in this world of ours, isn't it?

For me, it is the sun that allows me "to get up in the morning and go on my way." The Son has provided me with words of wisdom, as have other great teachers like the Buddha. These words and internalized beliefs help me get through some days as I sort and learn. But it's the sun that centers me. I am really just a bit of stardust, a product of that big explosion that started it all.

Johnny Timbers Strikes Again!

Johnny Timbers tree service has been a regular in our neighborhood for the last few years. Ever since Hurricane Isabel passed through Southeast Virginia in 2003, my neighbors have been keen to cut down trees whenever they anticipate a problem. You can see that this very tall longleaf pine was giving my across-the-cul-de-sac neighbor a little indigestion.

I think I can say with confidence that Johnny Timbers is a great company to work with. The guys are young and professional. The guy who climbs the trees is a cowboy. Amazing to watch. My husband says he hopes he gets paid a lot.

They cut the branches one by one. Ropes are tied so that when a branch is cut, it doesn't fall but is lowered carefully. The guys on the ground cut it up and clean up the yard before the next limb comes down. As we are blessed with a lot of very tall trees, I'm sure Johnny Timbers will be back again soon.

My neighborhood was a farm through the mid-20th century. Most of the bigger and taller trees are about 50 to 70 years old. I counted the rings in the one that fell from my yard onto my neighbor's sun porch during Hurricane Isabel and there were about 75 rings. My house is on the ravine side of the former farm. Intermittent streams flow into the headwaters of Mill Creek, a tributary of the James River.