Morning Smile

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork."  Ps. 19:1

  Let's sit outside for our coffee cup visit today.

  It is early dawn and, each day, there they sit.  Nine are facing east, one facing west.  Watching and waiting.  Here it comes!  Get ready!  Their heads are tilted back, their chests are barreled out, and their feathers are fluffed, as the glory and the warmth of the sun appears above the treetops.  Oh, my, do they shake and shiver.  After a few minutes of enjoying the spectacular showing, they fly off---promising to meet again at dawn the next day.

  I've seen this gathering of birds at the same intersection many mornings.  In fact, I look for them.  Kinda goofy, but I have this GA (Ginny Assumption) about them.  I think they're watching for the sun - patiently waiting for it to appear up over the nearby rooftops.  

  Now if they really are watching for the sun, just imagine for a moment, what a wonderful way to begin the day!  Ps. 19:4,5 says "...the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, (rejoices) like a strong man running a race."

  Oh, that we might anticipate the morning this way.  I love the idea "of a bridegroom coming out of his chamber."  We have all been there...a wedding where the bridegroom's face is so full of joy that those watching find it contagious.

  I must confess that I often look forward to the evening when the day is done and I can just sit at home and rest.  Now, though, I am asking the Lord to encourage me to welcome the morning with greater anticipation.  Not that I am going to rise every morning and watch the sun come up.  I'm not.  But, I do desire to begin every single morning rejoicing in the Lord and being grateful for all that He will do for me in the coming day.

  How do you anticipate the morning?  A little dread ... a long list of to do's?  Or, do you face the world with a spirit of joy, with the realization of the Lord's company and his goodness?

  Let's let our voices of praise be heard with the singing of the birds as we welcome the morning.  What glorious things He has in store for us each day.

  Who knows, next time you are out one early morning, you might just see your own row of birds ... patiently waiting for the sun to make its glorious appearance so that they can give honor and praise to their creator.