When the Morning Smiled…

“Remember the feeling as a child when you woke up and morning smiled? It’s time you felt like that again.”
–Taj Mahal

The summer feels like a good time to experience the simple pleasures that bring smiles and laughter. I’m pretty good about remembering to laugh at myself and life during the day, but can easily forget about welcoming the morning with a smile.

When I think about some of the tragedies I read about, the suffering I know friends and loved ones are going through, or all that’s on my plate for the day, focusing on smiling and welcoming the day seems frivolous. Yet, I trust in the wisdom and research that says lifting ourselves up can be one of the healthiest things we can do and one of the greatest gifts we can give others.

How do you awaken in the morning? Are you eager and ready for the adventures of the day? If, like me, you’re a little rusty at the “welcoming morning” thing, what can you place on your nightstand or in a place you’re sure to see when you awaken that will remind you of the gift of life and the possibility for joyful surprises in this day that you welcome in?

May you awaken each morning this summer with eager anticipation for what the day will bring. And may you seek out opportunities to smile and laugh with delight.

A Morning Offering

“All that is eternal in me
Welcomes the wonder of this day,
The field of brightness it creates
Offering time for each thing
To arise and illuminate.”