There are mornings like this.
I'm startled awake in the wee hours of morning, and for a breath of time everything is 'normal.'
Just as quick, 'normal' is gone and I can't stand the thought of staying in bed.
I don't know what time it is, but I have to get up.
That deep gulf in the pit of my stomach reaches my heart and I take a deep breath.
I've got to do something.
I go through mail.
I start laundry.
I cry out to God.
I grab a blanket and my laptop and settle in a chair on our porch.
Birds are cooing, and chirping, and cawing, reminding me that it is a new day
reminding me that every single one of them is greeted by their Creator.
He takes care of them and He knows when even one of them falls.
A cool breeze sweeps across my face, reminding me that all things are fresh and new.
The smell of fresh morning air, untouched by the busyness of life, reminds me, He is in every breath I take.
I am surrounded by trees and I feel so tucked away, so comforted by my Father's love.
Mornings like this I rush as fast as I can to find that solace.
It is close to creation...close to my Father's touch.
In the distance I hear traffic from the interstate, reminding me that people go on with their lives.
But, I have to be still...
I have to come to the secret place, to the quiet place to find peace,
to find strength.
The flag moves with the gentle breeze and I see the price of freedom.
I am humbled. as I reflect on the many who sacrificed their lives.
Lives - like my son's.
The rest of days I will miss my him.
The rest of my days I will long for his laughter, his hugs, his presence in this life.
A couple of sparrows perch on branches close to the porch. The delicate branches move back and forth as the little birds whistle a little tune before they fly away.
My heart is touched.
I've got to be near my Father.
I've got to embrace his nearness.
Without Him I could not endure.
I've got to have His peace.
I've got to have His grace.
It is in Him that I find joy.
He holds me close and I listen.
I listen to His heart as His words speak to the silence.
I love listening to this nature's concert -
to the choir of birds as their melodies blend together.
An early morning symphony, just for me.
A couple of birds whistle at me...
Funny as it seems, I'd say they chuckled and winked before they flew away.
New day.
I can do this.
Because of Jesus, I can.
He wipes away our tears.
He is acquainted with every sorrow, with every grief.
He encourages my heart.
He refreshes my soul.
Good morning new day.
There is purpose.
There is hope.
There is triumph,
because of whose I am.
