Last night was one of those restless nights. For a variety of reasons, I had difficulty falling asleep. Since this rarely happens to me(I am known as a 'good sleeper') I am always surprised by the process of flipping and flopping, tossing and turning, punching the pillow, and repeat. During all that activity my mind went over the things undone the previous day, what needs to be accomplished today, the bill I must remember to pay, the phone calls that are imperative, and on and on. I spent time breathing deeply, noticing my breath, willing this rhythm to take me into the realm of sleep. I prayed, first for the many I know in need of prayer, and then, for myself, that sleep would come.

Finally, of course, when I had given up the fight, I was able to relax into the rest. I slept soundly until about 5:15 a.m. when I realized I was being serenaded by a choir of birds. Outside the windows, the early risers were welcoming and honoring the gift of another new day. I listened intently to the different songs I heard…..one sweet, trill that led into a fluttering sound, three short calls followed by a rest and then one more call for good measure. In my semi-restful state, I felt like Cinderella with the birds twirling about my head, carrying ribbons in their beaks. The birds, however, were unaware of me. They were only doing what it is they must do to greet the day, what the were created to do.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have such a ritual for beginning each day? Instead of the tumble out of bed, hop in the shower, throw on some clothes, swallow the coffee, brace for rush hour, beginning to a day, wouldn't it be wonderful to not be able to stop yourself from singing? This is perhaps a lesson, one of many, we might learn from our fine, feathered friends. Start the day with a song.

Some part of me believes that the ancients once followed this practice as they watched and mimicked the ones-with-wings. Certainly, if these humans could not fly like these creatures, they most certainly might be able to make sounds like them. In my imagination I see these first peoples lifting their faces toward heaven, mouths open, imitating the songs of the birds they lived with daily, those that also serenaded them at dawn. As their human voice was released into the air around them, I imagine their faces breaking into a full fledged smile. A perfect way to begin the day.

As you begin this weekend, it might not be a bad idea to take a few moments to listen to the birds outside your window. They are doing what they must…..they are singing. Not a bad way to begin any day. We all might do well to follow their invitation.

"My life flows on in endless song, above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real yet far off hymn, that hails a new creation.
No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that rock I'm clinging.
Since Love is lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?"

~Robert Lowry(1826-1899)

Have a blessed weekend……………………