I had a special moment thinking about mornings earlier. The smell of mornings is fantastic to me. I’m not talking about the possibilities that each day brings, yet. I simply mean taking a deep breath and smelling the freshness of a new day. 

I remember mornings at my Grandma’s house - she would be frying bacon and percolating coffee. Both are distinctive aromas. I would awaken in anticipation of a big breakfast.

 I recall mornings with my Mom when I was a teenager. The wooden FM radio would be tuned to WBLS 107.5. I set the alarm for 5:25 am so that I could be awake when Ken Spider Webb would sign on and greet the world. Sometimes I’d hear my Mom in the bathroom getting ready. 

Tears form in my eyes when I think about waking up in my Mitchellville townhouse. Happy tears. That bedroom was so bright. I had a bump out sitting room attached to my bedroom. That part of the room also had a skylight. For some reason, I always woke up on my left side facing all the brightness. I recall hearing the birds chirping before sunrise. They always let me know - its almost time to get up! When my daughter was small, I’d go into her room and gently wake her up. She would give me a big squeeze and cause me to fart. That was our morning laugh for a while. 

I recall living there alone for about ten years. When I finally bought a Keurig Coffee machine, it was such a delight. I would go downstairs and prepare my coffee. Then sit at the kitchen table with my gratitude journal and absorb the beauty of morning. The view from the kitchen sunroom always brought me joy. In the morning.

Now I feel myself awakening when its still dark. My mind races to say Thank you God before I start thinking of the day ahead. I take ten steps to my kitchen and the Nespresso machine and select my mug choice for the day. I sit in the living room with my coffee and my Gratitude journal. Then I get busy preparing lunch for my son-in-law. He seems to really appreciate it, so I keep making it. Now I toast the bread,,,,, spread the mayo on one slice and mustard on the other…… Many times, I have gospel music or affirmations playing in the background.  I bless the contents of the black insulated lunch bag knowing that God is working through me this morning and every morning.

Recently, I was on a cruise and had a balcony room. What a delight to go outside and greet each new day. My favorite journal, my favorite pen, and grateful expectation of whatever is to come.

Morning. My favorite time of day.