Herald of the Dawn, the little sparrow who starts singing every morning around 5, began his vocal arrangements a few moments after I became aware that a new day was about to begin. I smiled. I can always count on Herald to greet the mornings with songs. If I want to sleep past 5 a.m. I don’t smile though! When the first light in the horizon appears, Herald stops singing and moves on to all the other important tasks of his day.
After reading for a bit, I decided to go for a walk. Not for exercise, but to enjoy the quietness of the morning. I put on my tennis shoes and head outside. The sun is already spreading its early rays in this part of the city. I walk down the road, the sun hitting my back, slightly warming it up. I like the shadows the sun makes as its light tries to go around the trees and the houses.
I am very aware of my surroundings. I listen to the sound of my steps on the side walk, admire the many flowers that decorate the Spring, take in the perfume of my neighbor’s roses as I pass by, and enjoy the many songs my feathery friends like to sing. I don’t hear the chickadees. They may have moved back to the mountains where there are plenty of tall trees for nesting. But I see chubby robins, different types of finches, phoebes, sparrows, doves, humming birds, and orioles, all here to nourish my birdwatching interest.
This early in the morning I’m not interrupted by the sounds of cars, dogs barking, or people talking. It’s just me and the nature that surrounds me. Most of the city is still sleeping.
I turn around and this time the sun hits my face fully waking me up. More alert, I pick up my pace and head home. I love my morning walks. Just me, God, and nature. I don’t live in the country and can’t go for beautiful country walks, but I am intentional in living a calm life even in the middle of the busyness of the city. I don’t always get it, but when I do it’s powerful and healing enough to make me want it and seek it more.
I get home and notice the sign on my front door. “Love, laughter, and friends are always welcome.” Yes! With the craziness of living in this planet, these make life a little better. Actually, a lot better!
I open the door and I’m greeted by my dog. She’s awake too and wags her tail happy to see me. She knows her walk will come later, but first I needed mine. This was my time, me time, a moment to enjoy the calm and to simply be.
I pet my dog, take my shoes off, and open all the windows in the house. A new day has begun!
I head to my computer so I can write all of this down. I don’t want to forget.