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Rising gingerly from my bed and padding softly into the hallway so as not to wake hubby I chide myself for drinking too much tea before turning in for the night.  I wonder how cool it is outside; think I’ll stick my nose out the front door.

Yes, that’s how I find myself once again on my front porch in my favorite rocking chair as the rest of the world sleeps.  The brisk morning air called out to me to join her, and I just couldn’t refuse.

The Milky Way’s brilliant eyes blink down upon me as I shiver in childlike delight at the beauty of this moment in time.  My thoughts float gently upward as the Big Dipper shines brighter than the rest.

Cares that had stolen sleep earlier vanish as creation and the Creator sooth my soul.  Many mornings I have longed for a visit from the little red fox that cautiously flitted across my lawn a couple of years ago. He had startled us both when he spied me sitting quietly on the porch.

Could it be?  I strain my eyes to see the low figure moving out of the shadows toward the pond.  I slip silently from my chair to get a closer look and am rewarded with a face to face with my old friend.  He has grown into a larger version of his former self, but is as beautiful as ever.  He catches my eye and we gaze at each other for a brief moment, connecting in a way that cannot be explained, before he slips into the forest once more.

Thank you, God.  What a lovely gift.  I wonder if this is how Charles Miles felt when he pinned the words of that old hymn, “In The Garden” so long ago?

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear falling on mine ear,

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

He speaks and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds hush their singling,

And the melody that he gave to me,

Within my heart is ringing.

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.  (Psalm 148:8 NIV)