Today is a new morning, a new gift. Sitting on my back porch, the sunlight peeking through the trees from a serene blue sky, with a slight chill in the air, the day couldn’t be more peaceful or beautiful. The only sounds are birdsong and childish laughter from a nearby school playground.

It’s a prayerful time, a time of soul searching, of heart pouring out, of weeping and repentance—yet a time that refreshes like no other. A necessity. I’m covered with a blanket, and it reminds me of the covering of the Father’s love.

A fat robin sits on the fence directly in front of me, scanning the ground for an unsuspecting juicy bug, and he quickly finds it and drifts down to claim his prize. A cardinal is calling, steady and confident, cutting through the quiet morning air like a small reminder that life is awake and stirring. I can see his distinct red beauty against the spring greenery. A squirrel makes his way gingerly along the top of the wooden fence, sniffing and stopping to scratch, as if he is in no hurry.

Again, I find myself thinking how lovely this day is. Thankfully, there is a calmness in my soul and a still small voice that whispers, “it is well”. His love is evident and abundant and so merciful and kind. He continues to refine me. I want above all, to get it right.

May my roots grow deep and strong and may the bad ones be cut off and thrown into the fire. May I pour out my alabaster box at His feet, knowing that He is the One, the Healer, the Master, the Creator of all of this beauty. God use me for your glory.

As I am writing this, a loud, persistent buzzing breaks the stillness for a moment, circling close enough to pull my attention away. A small reminder of how easily we can be distracted, even in the quiet.

And yet, just as quickly, my focus returns. Back to the stillness. Back to Him.

There is no fear here. No anxiousness. Just a quiet resolve to remain steady, to keep my eyes fixed on what is true.

To become more like Him—gently, faithfully, one day at a time. That is the goal.