As I sit in the shade of my porch this morning
warm coffee mug in my hand
my morning prayers are finished and now I'm just listening.

Listening for what?
I'm listening for God to speak to me...
for the voices of the Quails, Mourning Doves, Mocking birds
and other birds that greet the morning with me each day to reveal their secrets.
Listening for the wind that has decided to be still this morning.

My neighbor's American flag hangs limp on it's pole.
The leaves of my Sycamore tree lie in wait for the breeze.
Two tiny Hummingbirds whiz by me and one lands on a still limb.

Then I hear IT...His gentle voice...whispering to me.
Whispering in my soul.
Whispering "I created this ALL for YOU to enjoy."
I feel joy and gratitude, I am thankful this morning.

The porch thermometer already reads 90 degrees in the shade.
My body is heating up, my arms are beginning to glisten with sweat.
It's going to be another HOT day in Texas.
What I feel this morning is
gratitude for this new day of life.