First Light

First light has always been my very favorite time of day. When I wake up, I feel such a sense of joy from knowing I have another chance, another day.

Yesterday is gone, but I learned something from the experience.

I drive to the gym three mornings a week and the sun rises about 30 minutes after I return home. Lately, I have felt such a joy at seeing first light I wanted to grab my camera, Liturgy of the Hours book, and photograph the moment.

I've thought about doing it for weeks. Too busy. Maybe the weekend. I need to hurry to work. I was working all the hours. There is no medal for working all of the hours. Sure. I'm appreciated immensely and I like to serve in the best way. I wasn't thinking of the cost.

Quiet moments absorb God's blessing of this life.

Experience the joy of seeing birds emphatically talking to one another.

I've seen the first rays of the sun over Tampa Bay.

I am learning to let go just a little. I am constructing a schedule that infuses joy and peace into my soul while I spread love and kindness to others. I have better vision and compassion to help improve situations I am in service. I am safe enough to let myself feel the feelings a little bit more.

I feel sadness for the loss of my cousin, Wally. He was the second of my closest cousins when my mom was still alive. It's been over 41 years since she passed. In some ways, the sadness I feel about it feels more real to me lately. I believe eight year olds do not possess the skills to fully process that sadness or I didn't. I've learned more about her lately. It leads me to imagine what it would be like if she was here.

She was five inches shorter than I am now. It's weird how knowing something like that leads the imagination. I only knew her when she was much taller than me.