It "Dawned" On Me!

  Pop always told me that if you got up early enough, you would see things that most others never get the opportunity to see.  While that may have been a ploy to get me out of bed and out in the fields at a halfway decent time, it does have a ring of truth to it.  Sleepyheads never get to see the glorious sunrises, the fleeting glimpses of nighttime critters nor the sparkles of sunbeams on dew-laden spiderwebs.  It has gotten to the point that I cannot sleep past about 4am. 

  Some of the most peaceful times are right at daybreak when the birds start to stir about.  They wake up singing praises to the morning and begin their day of survival.  Lately, I have started taking my mug of coffee out into the gardens to commune with the birds.  The rapport is obviously mutual since a good many birds come to greet me each day.  I do set out birdseed but, often, the birds will forego their meal for a few moments to perch within an arm's reach of me.  There, they quietly chirp "hello" before flitting off to the bench holding the sunflower seeds.  Our greetings are short and sweet.  There is something magical about the time spent.

  Watching the sunrise, in the garden or on the pier, has become even more important to me as I age.  It gives me time to reflect on what is important and what I can let go.  I have found that doing exactly what makes me happy is what is important.  Not what others think I should be doing.  Folks, life is too short to fret over others' opinions.  They are entitled to them.  You are entitled to yours.  I am entitled to mine.  Live life the way you feel is best for you.  Try to see all the glorious times in your life whether they are sunrises or not.  Find the peace.