Molly Ward

Scripture:

Psalm 143:8

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

    for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

    for to you I entrust my life.

Reflection:

I embrace mornings. Perhaps this is due to all the special mornings I spent with my Grandfather.  He was a morning go-getter (because days are short and adventures and helping others are endless).  I was often his sidekick or at least one of his sidekicks since there were 7 grandchildren that he spoiled and allowed us to witness his love of the outdoors and love of others (regardless if they were his closest family or a stranded stranger).  If we were in town over the weekend, he would wrangle up the grandkids (he even would throw pebbles at my second story window to wake me when I was a teenager) and start the morning with breakfast at Kip’s Big Boy.  I’m sure he had already been up for hours just itching to get a move on the day.  We knew to be ready by 8.  If out of town, the mornings might be spent in the deer blind. Sometimes we’d go out on the bay and watch the light wake up the clouds amidst the purr of the boat’s diesel engine and the water lapping against the side of the boat. My Grandfather’s love of God’s creation spoke to me. 

 

With my Grandfather’s role modeling of seizing the morning, I started up my own routine about 15 years ago to make the most of this sacred time before the stillness of the morning wears off.  The routine is simple and takes place in my backyard.  I light a candle and write out my prayers and read a devotional.  It’s a wonderful privilege to have coffee with Jesus!  

 

In my head I always knew God was present during the routine, but there was one special morning where this Love was undeniable. On this particular chilly morning, I was deeply sad because my family had been disassembled after a 20 year marriage. I could feel the sadness deep in my heart and bones. After I lit my candle I felt a comfort beyond all comforts … I felt a physical hug.  It sounds woo-woo, but I promise it was not.  It was from a higher Love- it was God’s very presence. 

 

This verse was perfect. God had me. I trusted and had faith that even though my plan had failed, God’s had not. Whether you’re a morning person or not, God’s love and presence is available to you. Seek and you will find that God’s love is unfailing and from there we can entrust our lives to God. 

Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for the miracle of the morning that wipes yesterday’s anxious thoughts away.  Let’s sit here awhile so I can draw your love in and then breathe it out through this day you have given me.  I trust you to guide my steps.

Amen