While You Were Sleeping | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

While You Were Sleeping

...you missed a few things.

11
While You Were Sleeping
Katie Smith


Every single morning, whether you realize it or not, something miraculous happens. Before our sleepy eyes even consider cracking open, a great event has taken place. While all of our dreams are coming to a close and the final moments of slumber begin to tick away, it is happening. The sun is rising.


Now I realize that you probably are already aware of this fact, but how much do you actually spend time thinking about the sunrise? Exactly, not that much. To be honest I'm with you, I really don't either. But perhaps we owe the sun that rises every morning for us a bit more thought.


Even though most of us are asleep when the sun ascends, it is still there every morning. While it may not have a large audience, it still makes sure to put on its best show for those willing to watch. It shows up wearing its most beautiful colors bringing warmth and peace to the world. Believe it or not, the sunrise is not the only beautiful thing that we often don't see.


The person that held open the door for you today, the quick smiles exchanged in the hallway, the brief eye contact, the high fives, the handshakes, the awkward hello's, the dragging and shuffling of feet–there is something that we don't see in all of these things.


Truly, we would be astounded if we saw how much courage went behind some of these small gestures. We often take people at face value without considering what lies behind and within. We look at people without really seeing them and judge them without really knowing them.

Some of the most powerful forces in the world supposedly can't be seen by the human eye. Love, hope, fear, forgiveness, pain: all of these things are not tangible. However, if we become careful observers I believe that the intangible can become tangible and what is hidden can suddenly begin to reveal itself to us.

I am not a mathematician by any stretch of the imagination, but I do know that the little things in life do tend to add up to be something more. All of these sunrises, handshakes, and small gestures may seem insignificant and meaningless, but life is surely much more alive when we make a conscious effort to recognize the power these things posses.

The good news is: We do in fact have the ability to recognize these little things for what they truly are. We don't have to be blind to the little beautiful things all around us. Each day is a new opportunity to watch the sunrise, to get to know someone, to take into account small gestures and to look more closely at life than ever before.

So rise up with the sun and enjoy these tiny miracles. Look and see what people are really doing for you and try to keep your eyes wide open. Don't miss out on anything else, see clearly, live.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Christmas tree
Librarian Lavender

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is one of my personal favorite holidays because of the Christmas traditions my family upholds generation after generation. After talking to a few of my friends at college, I realized that a lot of them don't really have "Christmas traditions" in their family, and I want to help change that. Here's a list of Christmas traditions that my family does, and anyone can incorporate into their family as well!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

1392
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

2792
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

20 Thoughts While Studying For Finals

I may or may not be stressing right now.

2876
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments