I woke up at 4 a.m. this morning fully awake and unable to get back to sleep. We are coming to the longest day of the year and there is light in the sky until nearly midnight. The rising sun is already casting its day glow at four in the morning.

“His mercies are new every morning…”

There must be a reason God has awakened me so early this morning. It’s not just to watch the sunrise, although it’s hard not to be enthralled by the red glow behind silhouetted trees. Not a cloud in the sky, or a breath of wind. It’s the start to a perfect day weather wise, but my heart is heavy.

A precious friend is battling tongue cancer. She has such a positive attitude and I laugh at her daily Facebook postings as she faces her diagnosis and treatments with faith, strength and humour. However, I am also praying for a Pastor friend in hospital in a life and death struggle with Covid. Miracle prayers are needed.

It reminds me that the sun rises, but it also sets.

There is that circle of life, the rise and fall of the sun, the unending passage of time. I can’t slow the progress, or stop it no matter how hard I pray.

“Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 NLT)

Each rising of the sun is the gift of a new day. It is not to be squandered, but cherished and then celebrated at day’s end because God has walked with me through it…

…once again…

…one day at a time.

Morning glory is blinding me now as I write. The sky colours have changed from dark hues of reds and orange to vibrant yellows and gold.

“His mercies are new every morning…”

I think about how I will fill up my day. There is much to do in so little time. I want to run ahead of schedule, get things done so I can enjoy the day’s end knowing I’ve accomplished all the tasks I set out to do.

God reminds me gently that there is no need to rush. There is a time for everything…

…under the sun.