Wondering, Wandering, and Writing

Good morning!
Hello, sunrise 😊
Yes, I am *that* morning person who loves to be up shortly before sunrise (okay … not always in June and July when the days are SO long).  I enjoy watching the darkness slowly lighten through that soft glow of daybreak. I enjoy the gradual warming of the air as the first rays of sunlight pierce the atmosphere.  Sometimes a colorful burst of God’s artwork in the scattered clouds to adds to the beauty of the morning.  I enjoy the quiet, and the chatter of birds greeting the new day.

This morning as I read in Psalm 5, I was reminded that multiple times the scriptures call us to meet God in the morning.  In the quiet solitude, to be still physically and mentally (that’s the harder of the two) and to listen.  He reassures me of his presence and availability throughout the day.  He reminds me of his goodness and his provision.  He points out an attitude I need to adjust.  He brings to mind people and community needs to lift in prayer. Oh yes, I enjoy quite mornings.

However, I am well aware that not all mornings are quiet.  It is not always easy, and sometimes it is impossible to spend a quiet, still half hour or so to prepare for the day.

Perhaps a crying child awoke you at 4am.  Perhaps at 3am you had not yet been to sleep because of insomnia or too much study and work to do or … well, that list of reasons can be long.  Worries for your family and friends may invade your thoughts before you even stretch to get out of bed.  The alarm may jolt your body and senses, urging you on to work to provide for yourself and your family. A child or a pet may pounce on you, alerting you to urgent needs that you must meet.  Perhaps your body is screaming in pain from an accident or surgery or chronic illness.  The beep of an IV controller may have been your companion all night, and you’re not even sure when yesterday ended and today began.

Even on those hectic mornings, God is available.  We can cry out to him as we let out the dog or prepare breakfast for the toddler or mumble a greeting to the nurse on duty. Storing his promises in our hearts and minds is critical, so that on those mornings when life takes off like a dragster, we can recall his promise to walk with us, lighting our paths.  And hopefully, at some point, you can take a few moments to breathe slowly and deeply and let his words refresh your soul “I am with you always.  I will give you strength.  The comforter will guide you.”

#bgwww25