2013

January is my time for resolutions, but not this year.  This year I’m an old sock.  I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of my worn parts, and all I want to do is to darn a few holes and relax in the comfort of being me. Instead of my usual twenty or so resolutions, I’ve decided on just one:  My mornings will begin with a spirit of joy. 

 

I am NOT a morning person.    I want the day to nudge me awake.  I want it to coo like a baby and wrap me in a blanket and set me by the fire.  This is in extreme contrast to Abraham.  He wakes up fully charged and ready for anything.   His head springs from the pillow, and the day is his.  This annoys me.  I do not appreciate his excited chatter, his hands thick in projects, and his need for my involvement in all of it.  I don’t want to talk.  I don’t want to do anything but make strong coffee.   One morning I told Abraham, “I just need twenty minutes of quietness to begin my day.”  He looks at me, and a light goes off.  “I will give you forty minutes.  I won’t talk for forty minutes.  I love you, Momma!”  He marches into the kitchen to set the timer on his strong feet of good intentions only to have his resolve completely vanish in a matter of seconds.  This brought a smile to my somber face.  Who could be upset with a son like that?   And too, he’s got it right.  After all, what kind of fool begrudges a gift? 

 

Each day IS a gift.   Each day, no matter its troubles, holds the opportunity to discover God’s nature, which is everything that heaven will be.    Heaven is coming, but why waste the here and now.  Too, what sense does it make to start a day with prayer and follow it up with a sour spirit? So instead, I will embrace my annoying son and mimic his celebratory spirit.  I will sing:  Today is a day that the Lord has made.   I am fortunate to be alive.  I have a wild and precious life, and I’m not going to waste it. *

That is my morning call for 2013.  I will write it in the shower and on my French press.   Perhaps I will tattoo on Abraham’s forehead.  Happy New Year!  I raise my glass to you.  Here’s to the gift of each new day. 

 

(This post was not written in the morning.)

 

*My morning call is inspired by The Art of Happiness by the Dali Lama, Psalms 118:4, and Mary Oliver.

 

Comments

[Jackie]

Oh, dear Lisa! I loved this post. What would you like me to add to your mingling stick? I am not a morning person myself, but oh I sure used to be! I would come bouncing into my parent's bed at 6 am begging them to wake up. They called me the "Pest-squito" because I was so annoying. I embraced the name and began to yell, "Heeeeeeeeeere comes the PEST-QUITO!" when I would jump into the bed. Oh to be young. I love Abra and I love YOU!

[Amy]

This made me smile. Such a perfect resolution!

[katie]

sweet lisa, i do not ever read blogs. except, sometimes i read yours when i should be doing the dishes. thank you for being exceptional and inspirational. i too, am NOT a morning person. but the people around me sure are. thank you for a sweet reminder of the gift each new days is. praying for you, friend.

[Erin]

I don't know how I missed this post this year. Perhaps I was not ready then to read it, and so God saved it for now. :-) Today, I heard it deeply.

Thanks for sharing, Lisa!

Erin