People stare at me in amazement when I tell them about my daily commute.
But I know something they don't.
I read a book last year whose title I've since forgotten. Anyway, the book's topic concerned itself with the Creation. The author spent quite a bit of time emphasizing the sequence of events; in particular Day and Night.
Most of the modern world marks the beginning of each day with the rising of the sun; conversely, the end of the day is its setting.
Biblically, the opposite seems to be the natural order - "and the evening and the morning were the first day." (Gen. 1:5)
I started to see the end of my work day as the beginning of the next. Even after a good or bad day, driving home meant the one day was over and I could leave work where it belongs. My sleep during the night was a great way to break up the day. And when I drove into work the next morning, I was beginning the end of the old day, not beginning a new one.
This little trick worked. I seemed to have more energy and my mood greatly improved.
I can't say I always remember this trick. But when I do, it helps.
What also helps is the fortunate happenstance that I drive westward in the evening. As I traverse the High Five and transfer from Central to 635, I drive straight toward the sunset. Even though I'm on this stretch of highway for a little less than five miles, it's the highlight of my day.
I love the setting sun. It produces a view that can never be duplicated or reproduced. Moreover, driving on the elevated overpass allows me a greater view of the western horizon; it also diminishes the relative size of the buildings that ordinarily tower over my car. Point is, this is what I consider My Time and what often decompresses me on the drive home.
When I arrive at my home, the sun has fallen below the horizon. By this time, however, I am well north. The best view is to my left, still looking west. At this hour, Venus is 15 degrees above the horizon and is easily the brightest object in the sky.
What a great way to start the day.
