Morning Delights

This morning I woke long before sunrise, one of the quirks of working the night shift but switching to days on my days off. I relish these early mornings when all is silent. I make my cup of tea, gather my devotional and spend some quiet time with God. Rumbling around in the back of my head is a growing list of things I need to accomplish in this day. The devotional I use, "Celtic Prayers from Iona" by J. Philip Newell helps me to keep the focus off of myself and to focus instead on the needs of others and the world around us.

With the first light of the day, the birds begin to arrive at the feeders. Their chirping and warbling is one of the delights of the day. I love the lacy footprints they leave across the dusting of snow that has blown onto the patio. Lately, a small flock of Casseins Finches have joined the usual assortment of birds that visit. Their little red caps bring a brilliant spot of color to a mostly white and sepia landscape. It is snowing lightly once again. This morning I can see that the feeders will need refilling shortly and I must add birdseed to my shopping list.

A list of things to do grows quickly and there is much to do before my sister arrives for a visit this evening. I've made so many changes to my apartment since she was last here and I want her to see it at its best. Time to get the day rolling.

Begin doing what you want to do now.
We are not living in eternity.
We have only this moment,
sparkling like a star in our hand--
and melting like a snowflake.

-- Marie Beyon Ray