Early Rising

morning meditation.

i light a candle and think of each member of my family. i think of their qualities and how lucky i am to have them in my life.

my husband. such a loving person, always working hard, always willing to help me to refine our vision of life together. i think of the things he loves and remind myself of his separate being. it's so easy to just think of him there, he's been there so long. but he is separate from me and reminding me of who he is makes me love him more.

my elodie. such a light. always wanting me to tell her stories and help her write notes to friends. she asks me daily to put her on my lap and sing 'little sack of sugar."

and francesca. francesca, i see you. sometimes you look at me as if saying, "oh there you are." sitting up, needing me in different ways. looking at your sister and papa with such pure adoration. i adore you too.

i have never been an early riser but the perspective that my little children are "my morning mentors, teaching me to celebrate the new day" has made me pause and understand that i am letting precious moments of life slip away with all my grumbling. so with that, good morning.