MORNING GLORY

One of the signs of getting older is shorter nights I've decided.  I find I am increasingly waking up earlier in the mornings such as today, 5.30 am and I'm up. Ive been on Facebook, answered overnight emails and now I'm writing a post on the blog.  Added to that it's my birthday and its a big one!  I should be really laying in bed and just enjoying.  But I'm actually enjoying being up.  I like the quiet of the early morning.  I occasionally get to see a lovely sunrise as a result.   This one was taken in August from the beach in Zanzibar where we were having a a couple of days break before starting a Fatherheart A School on the main land in Tanzania.   These early mornings are so often times of reflection for me. I know that doesn't work for everyone but they do for me!  

I'm finding that there is great benefit in just sitting and being. After I've done the emails and things and made a cup of tea, there is time in the early morning to sit with my Father.  We don't often say much to each other.  We are just aware that we are together.  I am conscious of his presence. The peace that comes from knowing he loves me and delights in me simply because I am his son is wonderful.  I don't have to do anything to make him love me. This morning the words of a song that comes straight from his heart are flooding my mind.  "Quit trying to please me. Stop beating yourself up. My heart is full of love for you.......then it talks about living in the unforced rhythms of grace. It's by Godfrey Birtill.   It is not that I want to be on my own or I'm tired of people it is more about sitting and resting, gazing, reflecting and wondering at the beauty of the world, the greatness of God, his unwavering love for us and the sheer joy of being in his presence. This is no great surprise nor is it a great new discovery. People have known this for centuries.  However I'm really only just learning it after 60 years!  Better late than never.

Here is the link to the song if you want to listen to it.

http://youtu.be/e9uLzN1elks