Dawning Vision

On a recent air flight across the atlantic, I saw a miracle that might be happening every day. We had been flying for hours in night’s deep darkness. Then, awakening from a doze, I sensed that something electrifying was happening. Dozens of people were staring out of the windows on one side---some seated, others standing or bending over. Some were taking pictures. I could hear their excited voices. A sense of wonder became almost palpable.

In endless space, the sun was coming out---a thin, growing miracle of light. People laughed. They were one. They were humans, delivered out of darkness. When day invaded the aircraft they slipped quietly back to their seats, strangers again, just so many passengers heading for so many destinations. It was over.

But while it lasted, their faces were beautiful.