My Lord what a Morning!

Okay its actually evening but the sentiment is still the same.  The last few days have been just crazy with last minute meetings, interviews,baking, paper writing - everything but getting the last few Christmas quilts done and wrapping a parcel to send to Alberta.  Even tonight I was running around trying to complete things for a task tomorrow and doing a spot of baking. 
I have found my baking sessions have been a great time to think and pray and Lord knows there are many things to pray for at this time of year.  Especially at my work place, folks are finding out if they will be moving from Victoria to another posting in Canada, which of course puts the family in immediate turmoil as they start to process that.  There are prayers for those who are sick and dying.  How hard is that for everyone at this time of year.

Crew of HMCS Vancouver from Combat Camera

I also am praying for the crew of HMCS Vancouver as they are away from family at Christmas.  My husband tells a sad story about his first Christmas sailing in 2003.  His only gift that Christmas was a little stocking sent from the CO's wife who happened to make up stockings for the ships company.  I know I still cringe, but it's not my fault as I had not met him. 
I also am praying for Graham, my brother in law who is currently in Afghanistan and will miss Christmas at home this year. May God be with all of us as we journey our separate paths over this Christmas tide.

My Lord what a morning!

Now being once more on leave I was able to start my morning in a more civilized fashion.  I gathered up the dog and we went down to the Lagoon and walked along the beach.  When we arrived I counted 25 blue Herons and 4 Egrets along with numerous other birds.  Since it was before 8am it was pretty quiet which was nice for us to stroll along without worrying about disturbing someones view who would park along the road.  My only regret was my camera battery died yesterday and I hadn't replaced it, or else I would have some wonderful photos to put in the blog. 

from Flickr

The beach looks so different when the tide is out and it was nice to walk along the sands further out, as the surf roared in around us in a semi circle.  I found my self taking a moment to say my prayers on a large piece of diftwood, praising God for the beauty of the day.  I mean it couldn't be any better, smooth ocean water, pinky clouds highlighting snowy capped mountains, the smell of pine and my little four legged friend along side me content to explore and sniff.  Made me think of the scripture verse in Matthew, I think!, about the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.  They just grow and do their thing, worrying not about food, shelter or other cares humanity might have. They just be.  And so I did to.   It was wonderful. 

My Lord, what a morning, you have given me to be present in.  Help me to toss aside the cares of yesterday and its hostilities, and to fully embrace this day.  Fresh and clean, full of possibility I thank you for this invitation to enter into your kingdom on earth.  May I remember to move with grace towards my fellow travelers and your guidance to my path.  Amen.