EARLY MORNINGS

Lately, I've been sleeping in...getting up at 8 instead of 6. And I feel as if half the day is over already!

For you who don't know, I love the early hours of the day. My ideal morning is (from March to October)...up before the crack of dawn...grab a cup of coffee, my cigs :)..and the newspaper and ink pen...and a rag to wipe the dew off the table and chairs...and go out on the deck/porch. No other cup of coffee or cigarette tastes as good as that one, in the still-dark morning, while anticipating the first light of day, listening to the birds chirping wake up songs.

As the darkness fades, giving way to daylight, a calmness fills my soul. I can almost hear God saying "Let there be light." and my response is..."This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." This period, as the night slowly fades, is my time of prayer and reflection. My heart is so filled with God's glory, words trip over themselves as I try to express my praise and thanks. Oh, I know...I can ...and do...do the same thing sitting at my kitchen table, or even before getting out of bed...but that early morning outside commune with God is a very special time for me.

When the sun is up and it's fully daylight, I read my newspaper and work the daily crosswork. Most days, I'm finished by 7 and back in the house, at the table, for more coffee and cigs with the USA Today paper and crossword.

During the long, cold winter months I can only sit at the table, looking out the window, yearning for spring!

For years I watched the daybreak as I drove to work. How I yearned all winter (when I was at work before daybreak) for the spring...when I could leave home in the dark and arrive at work in the early daylight.

My wish for you, my friends and family, is that, during your morning rush to get to work or school, you will take a moment to look around, listen to the birds, watch the sun rise..and be amazed right along with me "How Great is Our God" who can perform this amazing rebirth every single day.

HURRY UP SPRING!!!!