Mornings are my favorite time of day. Light filters through the trees to shine waking light on all of creation. Birds wake and begin to sing their notes that let the world know that it is time to get up and start over. What just minutes before was silent, dark, and still suddenly is bright and bustling. And new. The previous day has passed with all of its worries and concerns. A new day is ushered in. A fresh start as crisp as the blades of grass basking in dew. And just for a little while, before the day has had time to muddle our minds, everything is clear.

I had the privilege of waking early with no alarm last Sunday morning. I dressed and headed out to the Orchard not knowing exactly what time the AM service started because I normally attend the evening service during the school year. Arriving 30 minutes early, I was invited to attend the children's worship time that occurs before the service.

What a joy!

Who knew that singing Father Abraham and dancing like a fool left arm, right arm, spin around is some of the best therapy that could be prescribed? Those sweet, smiling faces and tiny voices unlocked the grownup cages that the rest of us adults had constructed throughout the week.

Must be serious.
But not too stern.
Cannot cry.
Cannot laugh too much.
Shoulders up.
Bear the weight.
Keep it all together.
Don't fall apart.

And in all of this we have locked ourselves without even realizing.

How delightful to know that just a little silly singing and dancing can unravel all of it! Maybe that's why the birds sing in the morning. They know something we do not.

I think I'll start every morning with some joyful silliness too.