Mary Martha Lappe, Member, Good Will Class

 

Psalm 96

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!

Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

I’ve always been “a morning person.” The “early to bed, and early to rise” formula was taught me at an early age by a generation of farmers and gardeners who understood the value of making the most of cool mornings especially during hot summer months. As a teacher for over five decades, my schedule required me to embrace early rising. The joy of seeing the sun rise and peek through the tree branches always gives me hope for a new day that is productive. It confirms the power of our Creator and shows me God’s promise. The joy offered to us each new day is not only celebrated in several Psalms and other parts of the Bible, but also by numerous philosophers, writers, and poets throughout written history. “Salutation of the Dawn” is a poem I learned while in college. It comes to mind as I consider the glorious possibilities for each day. It is by Kalidasa, an Indian Classical Sanskrit playwright and poet born in the 4th century. He is considered by many historians to be “the Shakespeare of India.” His admonition for us to consider the importance of each new day is a worthy and inspiring reminder.

Salutation to the Dawn

“Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence:

The bliss of growth
The glory of action
The splendor of beauty

For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow only a vision
But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore to this day!
Such is the salutation to the dawn.”

Prayer: Father, help me make the most of each new day. Grant me gratitude for all the blessings that you have bestowed on me. Help me make a joyful difference in the lives of others each day.