This morning I woke up very early – just as the sun was also waking up. I had forgotten how  refreshing and hope filling the dawn can be. I felt touched to the core by the beauty of it. As I walked into the backyard, long streaks of sunbeams were breaking through the woods behind my house. The early birds were already up, singing their hearts out in full chorus. The flowers and grass, wet with the morning’s dew, appeared to be sparkling like diamonds in the newly born day. It was an awe-inspiring moment, one that crashed through all the sorrows and pain of the world we find ourselves living in these days.

I began to think about how special the dawn is, that it is another beginning, another opportunity for new life, a time when nature, like us, wakes up from a night of darkness and sleep. As the night ends, it’s a chance to wake up our hearts and our minds. We too are a part of the light of the new day. We too can be a spark of light for others.

Yes, after this morning’s dawn, I know that morning can be a time to resurrect our hearts and minds, that there truly is a feeling of joy at the first hour of the day, for all feels fresh and new as the light overcomes the darkness. How helpful it would be if we could receive the gift of each new morning and say thank you for it. Perhaps we can learn to open our eyes to the beauty in the universe, to be aware of the brightness of the morning. No wonder the mystical poet Rumi wrote, ‘The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you; don’t go back to sleep.’  And Jesus said, ‘Be awake.’

God of the Morning Light, you come each dawn with brightness and joy. You try to sing us into a new day of hope. Forgive us when we are dreary and moody. Help us to wake up to each day and to the possibility of new life. May our hearts be open to receive your brightness, your light. Amen.

Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com