Today, I woke up about an hour earlier than normal. Rather than toss and turn, I brewed a pot of coffee and wandered to the porch.  A few lightning bugs still hovered over the wheat field next to my home, but there was silence. As I savored my warm drink, a mourning dove cooed, then a cardinal lifted a greeting. Minutes later, the air was filled with birdsong.  Somewhere in the distance, a wild turkey gobbled and a crow cawed. Before I’d finished my mug of coffee, a symphony of warblers serenaded me.

It’s overcast today, and storms are predicted, but the birds rejoiced as the darkness gave way to the gray light.  Whatever I face today or tomorrow, I hope and pray  I can be like the birds and welcome each day with rejoicing. I am thankful for the birds reminding me to be filled with cheer, even as I await today’s storms.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 ESV