Life Through the Lens: A new dawn

This post is the author’s personal opinion.

There he is again!

A descendant of the blackbirds first brought to Melbourne in 1857 by a visiting bird dealer is singing his little heart out.

From experience, it is pointless even to consider going back to sleep.

Every morning, just as the first light of dawn pushes its way around the sides of the window blind, he starts up.

As I lay there, still half asleep, I start to consider.

While the sun has not risen, from the enthusiastic trilling of my feathered friend, one would have to conclude that he is confident that the sun will rise and bring a new day, full of untapped potential.

Then came the thought.

How was I looking toward this new day?

Would I recognise and enjoy the uniqueness and beauty of the world around me, created and developed to meet all my needs?

Would I take time to enjoy and wonder at the rosebud coming into full flower?

Would I let a neighbour’s friendly “good-aye” lift my spirits?

What would be my response to the sunbeam angling through the window and splintering into a rainbow across the wall?

How often do we not recognise a day’s promising, exciting, uplifting happenings because we don’t even consider that a God of love has placed these things into our day for our enjoyment, regardless of our attitude toward him?

Through his words in the Bible, we learn that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17)

Do we let yesterday’s events colour our expectations for today?

Do we let our fears for the day ahead cause worry before our feet even hit the bedroom floor?

There is no need for that, because God promises: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Have you ever noticed that birds generally only sing when they are still?

Maybe they listened to God when he said, “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Today, we might say, “stop flapping about and trust God and his love”.

An interesting aside: Cat Stevens reworked a 1931 children’s hymn by Eleanor Farjeon and had a hit song – Morning Has Broken – with lyrics referencing Genesis, the first book in the Bible, where God created Earth on the first morning.

You may never know what great things God has planned for your day unless you talk to him about it.

God bless, and enjoy your day – and all the days to come.

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