Good Morning

WHY I WAKE EARLY
BY MARY OLIVER

Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who make the morning
and spread it over the fields
and into the faces of the tulips
and the nodding morning glories,
and into the windows of, even, the
miserable and crotchety–

best preacher that ever was,
dear star, that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light–
good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch, now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness.

When I treat a new morning as sacred, I remain aware of the spiritual significance of each unfolding moment.  By making time for prayer and beauty before the day's rush can swoop in and overwhelm me, I renew my intention to stay attentive to God’s presence through every task, interaction, interruption, and unexpected event I will encounter. 

I’ve come to cherish my early mornings as a fresh new start, a divine act of mercy and lovingkindness deserving of praise and thanksgiving.  Not something to rush through or take for granted, but to celebrate and honor.

It is a miracle that the sun has risen once again, that my heart is still beating, and that I have another opportunity to love, learn, grow, repent, and create! It takes so little to make the ordinary extraordinary- a place mat, a candle, pretty music, a few extra minutes to sit down and eat, to read an edifying page of a book, to say a prayer for guidance.

And what’s really special is the privilege of creating an atmosphere of calm and positivity for your loved ones, setting the tone for a meaningful day.

One light-filled decision begets another and another. Wake up!  Be attentive! Re-engage with your life! 

This is the day the Lord has made; let us greatly rejoice, and be glad therein

- Psalm 117 (118):24