Early Morning Reflections

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., and I love the peace and quiet and knowing that I have an hour or two 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. I love sitting at my computer and listening to the birds wake up, accompanied by 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 and make lists of errands to run or phone calls to make. 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," which is what we call "dawdling" here in the South. 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 just walk around my house and arrange or rearrange a vignette on a sideboard or chest, or put an arrangement of flowers in a different vase to give it a totally new look. Of course, I'm probably the only one who notices the new look, but that's okay. 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. It's almost Spring, 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.