It's January 1, 2019, and we are starting a new year! Of course, we all know that! The photo below was taken in October, and depicts a beautiful morning moment. I was on my way to school, when I looked to the east to see the fog and the sunrise looking about as perfect on the horizon as they can look. I hurried to the northeast corner of the football field on our campus to get the photo before the moment passed.
It was significant to me because I could have just as easily missed the transient moment as captured it. I could have been so completely focused on getting to school and checking off all of the start-of-the-day things that needed to be done before students arrived that I missed this moment. We all have those days when it pretty much takes all we have just to get to where we need to be in one piece. I get that.
Ever since recovering from a near fatal brain injury by God's grace and mercy in December of 2016, I feel a sense of urgency to grab moments of beauty and peace throughout my day, with my family and friends, and when I am out and about.
Call it being mindful, or whatever you want; but, I want to be more grateful. I want to be more peaceful. I want to really see what and who is around me. I want to see and to appreciate the amazing and wonderful things the Father has created for our enjoyment. I don't want to go through this life in a rush, feeling stressed and overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. I want to see.
So, Happy First Morning! Last year, I decided to create a new tradition for myself. I stopped staying up late on New Years' Eve just to stay up late. By nature, I am an early riser, so my New Years' tradition is to now celebrate the First Morning of the new year.
So, today, as you begin this First Morning, think about how you can be really "see" who and what is around you. Think about how to be more kind, more compassionate, a better listener, and a more peaceful person. Think about this First Morning and how it can be the start of new morning peace for you.
Will you join me on this journey and in celebration of First Morning 2019?
