Good Morning Sunshine

I have learned there is something special about the first few moments of each day.

While the potential of the entire day stretches before me...

Before the freshness of the moment begins to fill with busyness and noise… 

Before I begin to remember what I was worrying about the night before…

I make an effort to turn my attention to the One Who never sleeps; to the One Who has remained faithful throughout the night, because I know how special those morning greetings can be.

Growing up, my mother had a simple way of greeting me each morning.

"Good morning, Sunshine."

Those words bring to my mind her face, her smile, her tone, and her faithful presence in my life. They reminded me that no matter what, I was loved and I was her daughter. 

As I worked on this drawing, those words came back to me.

I imagined the scene from the perspective of a shepherd just opening his eyes. He looks up, and what does he see looking down at him? A sheep waiting patiently for him to wake, whose expression seems to say,

"Good morning! I'm so glad you're here. What’s going on today?”

“Good Morning Sunshine” - Wildlife Whispers - 2024 Colored Pencil and PanPastel on Fabriano Watercolour Paper - by Julia McFarland

It made me smile.

Then it made me think. Shouldn’t that be the way we begin every morning: gazing at our Good Shepherd in anxious anticipation of what He has planned for us that day? Not letting our worries or circumstances take over, but simply talking to the One who loves us.

That’s why every morning, I make it a point to pray the words of Psalm 143:8–12.

Most of the time I pray it silently to myself so I don’t disturb my husband or wake the dog lying next to me.  Sometimes pray it out loud as I sip my coffee. It gives me a spiritual boost along with my caffeine boost. My coffee addicted friends know what I’m talking about.

While the whole passage is amazing, this one verse has become especially precious to me:

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

These words remind me of God’s love. They remind me that I am His and that my day belongs to Him. And they remind me that when I walk alongside Him, I can trust Him no matter what I encounter. 

I love that this Psalm was written by King David, an experienced shepherd who loved, guided, and protected his flock. And I imagine there were several mornings when he woke up to see a sheep’s face staring down at him. 

Through shepherding, God taught David about protection as David chased away and/or fought other animals seeking to devour one of his flock. God taught David about trust and dependence since David was responsible for leading the sheep to good pasture and water. And God taught David the importance of walking closely with the shepherd each day, because I am sure David chased after his fair share of wandering sheep.

So this shepherd’s prayer has become my morning prayer, grounding me and reminding me that I am a beloved sheep in the safe and secure arms of my Good Shepherd. 

I hope this image reminds you to pause each morning and greet your Good Shepherd, and listen for His gentle voice to guide you through your day. 

After all...

He’s been waiting for you to wake up.