In the Early Morning Hours

I've always been an early riser, but as I get older it seems that I don't need as much sleep. Most mornings I awaken between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. (or at 3:30, like this morning!), and I love the peace and quiet and knowing that I have a couple of hours or so just to myself. The picture of the sunrise above is one I took on just such a morning.

These days, my pre-dawn mornings are usually when I work on my blog or visit my favorite bloggers to see what's going on in their worlds. I love sitting at my computer and listening to the birds wake up, and the soft tinkling of wind chimes outside my window when there's a breeze blowing.

Sometimes I'll tackle a chore I've been procrastinating on doing, like laundry, "swiffering," making out a grocery list, watering plants, or balancing my checkbook. I also plan my day — making lists of errands to run or phone calls to make — without being interrupted. I can accomplish more in that hour or two before my husband wakes up than I can the rest of the day.

Other mornings, I just "piddle." I can't count the times my Mama has called and asked what I'm doing, and I've said, "Oh, just piddling," ... and she knows exactly what I mean.

To "piddle," according to the dictionary, means "to spend time idly," and I have it down to an art. I don't think of it as spending my time idly, though. Sometimes I may work on a decorating project ... or create one. Or organize a kitchen "junk drawer," or clean out the refrigerator. And some mornings I may arrange or rearrange a vignette on a table or chest, perhaps moving an item over an inch or two and admiring the difference it made. Of course, I'm probably the only one who notices the new look, but that's okay. I know it looks better!

And as the new day breaks, I look out the windows to check the weather and enjoy seeing my flowers and plants that seem to have grown overnight. Life is good, and these early morning hours are a perfect time for reflection, and for counting my blessings and thanking God for them and my sweet family.

If you wake up earlier than usual one morning, try getting up instead of turning over and going back to sleep. I think you'll enjoy the solitude and luxury of some quality time just for yourself.