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.