And as much as I would love to wake up every morning to be  a witness to the glorious awakening of the earth, sometimes I still find myself buried under the pillows with the blanket covering me.  It’s warmth whispering hypnotically, “Sleep! Sleep some more…sleeeeep!”  I try to [...]]]> I love mornings!  I love mornings in Cebu!

And as much as I would love to wake up every morning to be  a witness to the glorious awakening of the earth, sometimes I still find myself buried under the pillows with the blanket covering me.  It’s warmth whispering hypnotically, “Sleep! Sleep some more…sleeeeep!”  I try to open my eyes and it would not cooperate.  Groan.

But there are days when the longing to connect with mother nature is so great that I ignore these whisperings and fling the blankets out of the way so I could jump out of the bed.   And lo and behold, my heart sings with delight.

This was the view from our balcony one Tuesday morning.  This was the view of the Cebu sky!   I spent the next fifteen minutes or so in silence as I watched in awe.  Awed as night slowly turned into day.  The transformation left me breathless.  There was no rush.

Time stood still.  My eyes feasted on the array of oranges that signaled the dawn of a brand new day.  I stared intently into the great unknown until I could make out the round sun coming out from the mountains.  I smiled with delight. It seemed to be saying, “Good morning world! Good morning Cebu! Are you ready for a brand new day?’

I laughed aloud at my silliness!  I surveyed my surroundings but everyone was still asleep.  A neighboring dog barked.  The chickens responded by crowing.  A tiny brown bird swooped in front of me chirping all the while.  Well, I was not the only one awake after all! Hahahaha

Mornings remind me that there is a beginning to all things.  The birth of a child. The first steps.  The first kiss.  The planting of a seed.  Growing up.  Getting married.  The leap of faith.  Discovery.  Connecting with the Divine.  Loving yourself.  Caring for others.  Mornings remind me that each goal starts with one simple first step.  Mornings remind me of hope  that today I can start anew.  I have a clean slate and I will paint the most beautiful of colors to fill my day.  This was my morning in Cebu.

I am deeply grateful to be alive so I can have the chance to view the birth of a new morning.  I should do this as many times in a week, huh?

God, I would whisper softly, “Thank you for a brand new day!

Good morning to you my friend.  Good morning Cebu, Philippines!

What do you see outside your window?  Or balcony?

This curious kitty wants to know…meow!

Michelle Simtoco