A Morning Gal | Story of Morning Gratitude | By Annmarie Ragukonis | Inspiring Story #115

Sitting in the garden holding a hot mug of tea, I become aware that not every morning is this beautifully simple. Most mornings I have to head to work, but today is mine.  The sound of birds, bees and even an occasional motor car are music to my ears... a serene tune that warms my soul.

As I compose, I perceive a distant dove cooing her allegiance, joining me in my early morning pleasure.  My phone is on vibrate and there is a bee in the flower bed that sounds just like an incoming text or phone call.  

It’s beautiful that the modern world of electronics can blend with nature. An airplane flies overhead as I sip the last of my basil-steeped tea while an increasingly noisy Carolina Chickadee performs a duet with its man-made competitor. Who would have conceived that the combined blend of their efforts to welcome the morning would please a mere me?

God. That’s my conclusion. He created birds of flight, then humankind to model travel for our convenience. But lest we forget his impart, he graced mornings with dew, sneaking sunshine, and the menagerie of insects and feathered friends.

“What will this day hold?” I wonder. For now, I hold and treasure this moment, all its sights, sounds, scents and sips. Maybe entertain a second cup, so as to have a pragmatic reason to stretch these early hours.

Things are picking up in the neighborhood... down the street I hear a small dog’s high-pitched bark. A bit ago, two moms paced by during their morning walk. I imagine them pumping their arms as they discuss their children’s latest feats.

The sun is higher now and I’m beginning to feel the summer heat. Drinking that second cup of hot tea seems almost absurd but I don’t want to relinquish the pleasures of the morning. Oh, the heck with it… back inside I go to boil more water, but not before clipping another sprig of basil. Good morning, World!

Truly, our world does need a greeting, a sign of welcome and recognition. While it’s not difficult to appreciate Mother Earth, there are modern blessings apart from nature that we sometimes take for granted. Like water from a spigot, disposable diapers, handicap parking spots, ceiling fans, and microwave popcorn. Our world is far from perfect, but inside my own little planet, particularly on this glorious new day, I’ve discovered much to be thankful for, making me a grateful morning gal.