Black, brown and gray squirrels
run through the wet grass
welcoming morning, breathing in
new day adventures while searching
for snippets that satisfy.
Burning bushes burst into flames
while tall trees gradually yellow
and let go of their delicate leaves.
I crunch them as I walk the road,
savoring the mellow gold.
I soak in quiet respite from noise.
The world keeps turning, churning
with angst, fear, selfishness, wars.
Yahweh is still King! The birds sing
praise songs, and so will I.
He knows my heart and soul,
only he is in control
of what is planned for me,
tiny as I am in this universal sea
of waves crashing, leaping high.
During this autumn season it is difficult to make myself leave the warm house to step out into cold (often windy) weather. But I’ve committed myself to walking, so at dawn I layer up and make sure my ears and hands are covered, then take off. It is a new day, a grace to be thankful for.
So what can I notice today in this Detroit neighborhood that will boost my gratitude?
Here and there squirrels are hopping about, sniffling what is in the grass. Once I saw two young ones wrestling; one tried to climb a tree trunk but the other one was holding him tight. He struggled and got free. Like me, he was chasing down a happier day.
I am also searching for snippets that satisfy. I find them in the maple trees turning crimson, the sun sneaking up behind a cloud sitting on the horizon and guilding it, the golden carpet of leaves on the sidewalk. And I thank God that I can walk and treasure these moments. People I love are homebound, waiting for recovery from surgery, or waiting to be taken to surgery. Others have run out of prescription meds, and restarting the process of access is taking a few days. Some are overwhelmed with late hours, multiple jobs, little time to relax. They come to mind, and I pray for God’s hand on their hearts and lives. I have a lot on my plate today too, and wonder how I should push myself through to get it all done.
I had scanned the news before leaving the house, and there was way too much distress in it. I need to let the world noise fade away and rejoice instead in peace, the Guide leading me hither and yon through the neighborhood, showing me hidden treasures of beauty. So I lift my heart and welcome the morning. I will follow the loving prompts of the Spirit within me, who knows what he has planned for the rest of the day as I move on to “next things.”
I pass a large Black man that I recognize since we both walk the same streets most days. He is listening to a broadcast from his phone and I can hear a voice say: “So if you turn to second Corinthians . . .” Yes! He is meditating, his own way. I shout out to him: “I love Jesus too!” He grins and responds: “Amen!”
So I am reminded to just soak in the new morning with its brisk breeze and bright colors and protection from tripping on broken sidewalks and the beauty of ancient trees that would have a century of stories to tell. The Creator thought of all these things, and I am wowed that he is walking with me.
Starting with praise, prayer and perception is like fueling the car for the journey. I come home grateful and ready to take next steps, to accomplish what is put before me, welcoming this morning!
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lam. 3:22-24 ESV)
