The Gift of a Quiet Morning

It’s Saturday morning, and I find myself wide awake at 5 a.m.

Not because I had an alarm set or that I had somewhere to be. I woke to the sound of rain falling and the birds welcoming a new day.

The sky was grey, and the birds had begun singing their cheerful "wake up" songs. I enjoy hearing them each day, especially in the morning. Their songs sound excited and joyful, and at times have me chuckling at how loud some of them can be, as if they are trying to outdo each other.

The rain was gentle as it fell, tapping softly against the leaves that now clothed the trees in so many shades of green. There is something special about spring rain. It carries with it the scent of earth, new growth, and possibility.

As for the rain? It does not deter Dexter or me from going outside each morning, so out we went.

Stepping into the yard, there goes Dexter, nose to the ground, conducting what I can only assume was an important investigation. Every scent needs to be analyzed. I’ve referred to it as Dexter reading his “pee mail”. I can’t take credit for that impressive saying, as I read it somewhere else, but I think it fits the scene perfectly.

Apparently, there had been overnight visitors, and he needed to figure out exactly who had passed through. Was it that raccoon that steals the bird food and drags the feeder across the yard? Was it the neighborhood cat? Maybe it was Mr. Opossum or the deer, both regular visitors. Whoever it was, Dexter feels it is his job to sniff, make his determination, and let me know when it is time to carry on.

I watched him wander and sniff while I stood under the gentle rain, listening to the birds. No traffic. No television. No notifications. No rush. Just nature doing what nature does. It's amazing how peaceful the world feels when we allow ourselves time to be still and take notice.

Eventually, Dexter completed his perimeter check, and we headed back inside. I poured my first cup of coffee, otherwise known as the magical wake-up elixir, and settled onto my screened porch.

I found myself thinking about how rare these moments are for many. Days may start with a list of chores to be done, emails to answer, meetings to attend, and doctor's appointments. The list can go on and on.

And while there is nothing wrong with being productive or busy, sometimes I think we forget that not every moment needs to be filled.

I think that is why I love the early morning hours, because they have a personality all their own. They arrive gently, without demands, and offer us a quiet invitation to pause before the noise of the day begins.

Too often, we decline that invitation. I know I have over the years. I would rush into the day without noticing the beauty or the sounds. I’ve asked myself when I started to take all of that natural beauty for granted. Because while I was busy, the birds were still singing, the rain still fell, and the leaves still danced in the breeze. I still had that first cup of coffee, but I don’t recall how often I truly enjoyed it.

This morning reminded me that peace doesn't require a vacation, a retreat, or a weekend away. Peace can be found right outside your door. It may arrive with a cup of coffee, a gentle rain, a curious dog, and a few moments of gratitude.

As I watched the morning unfold, I realized, yet again, I didn't need more.

No list, plan, or agenda. Just a thankful heart. Maybe that's the lesson these early hours offer us if we take the time to notice them.

Before the world asks something of us, before the chores and responsibilities begin, there is a brief window where we can just be.

So, if you find yourself awake early one morning, don't rush to fill the silence; sit for a bit. Listen to the birds. Watch the rain. Sip your coffee. Let nature remind you that life doesn't always have to move at full speed.

The peace you find in those quiet moments may stay with you long after the sun comes up.

I wish you all a peaceful day.

Be well, stay well, and above all, be blessed.

Kim Lengling is an author, podcast host, veteran advocate, and believer in the power of kindness, hope, dogs, coffee, and time spent in nature. Through her writing, speaking, and podcast, Let Fear Bounce, she encourages others to find light in difficult moments and make their small slice of the world a little better.

Learn more about Kim, her books, podcast, and upcoming projects at www.kimlenglingauthor.com.

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