Morning Has Broken

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

Every morning I awake to four furry paws on my chest, a furry nose an inch away from mine and an absolutely delighted puppy dog who is so excited that a new day has come. Even if I lie quiet after waking, she somehow knows, and I get pounced on. Luckily, she is a Pomeranian and not a St. Bernard.

I, on the other hand, fall out of bed with a sound reminiscent of a pig grunting. I need to start greeting the day with the same excitement she does. The dawn that is breaking is sent by Him. Even if the sunrise is obscured by a storm, the sun is still shining above the clouds, and it will break through again.

It is a day planned for me by Him. He has people He wants me to meet and people He wants me to encourage. He needs me to be His hands and feet. For many people I may be the only Jesus they will see this day.

And because He is my Abba Father and He loves me, He has arranged for little gifts along the way to cheer me on and encourage me. I just need to be alert and sensitive enough to see them.

Like the red cardinal having a glorious time splashing in the bird bath in my garden; the squirrel yelling profanities at my dog from the safety of the tree. From its tone, I know what it’s saying is not polite. The friend who calls at just the right time, when I need encouragement or advice; the worship song that raises my spirits and reminds me of what an awesome God I serve.

So, I am trying to get out of bed each morning with an expectant and grateful attitude and say “thank you Lord for a new day and for new opportunities. We are in this together, let’s go!”