by Sr Nunother  

Rise and shine – a simple directive that’s very convicting.  I contrast myself with Liberty the poodle.  She greets each morning with full body stretches that communicate, “Wow, what a great new day!”  She likes her chin scratched while stretching and provides a “fangy” smile of approval.  Next on her agenda is a brisk before breakfast walk.

My awakening is either sluggish or anxiety propelled.  I deal with thoughts that something dreadful could happen or am annoyed at the world and everyone in it.  Is it residue from an unremembered bad dream?  Unresolved conflict from the day before?  Or merely a habit that allows me temporary control (albeit of a negative sort.)

One of us trusts in the goodness of God and is content; the other needs a little shine in their rising.