Tuesday, June 03, 2008

At the Crack of Dawn



I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Psalm 104:33

For a couple of weeks or so they've been waking me every day at about five in the morning. It's what is sometimes called "at the crack of dawn." One day it was 4:52 a.m. when I looked at the clock, and it was still pretty dark out, with just a hint of the promised daylight. When they awake me, it's to a magnificently beautiful chorus. For the most part, it's the robins who are taking the lead with hymns which are loud and crystal clear as they pour through my open window. Sometimes the cardinals join in to add variety and harmony; perhaps a sparrow or two, as well. The titmice, who are not around right now due to breeding in the deep woods, were taking the lead earlier in the spring and that, of course, was at a bit of a later hour. No matter which and who and when, though I may be lifted from a deep sleep, I usually smile in grateful acknowledgment of their concert offered freely to all who will listen. After all, there is little on this side of heaven that matches the splendor of this early serenade.

Undoubtedly, they are speaking to one another in a language that only they understand. But they're speaking to me as well, you know. During the course of the day I'll be hearing many news items that could bring discouragement and sadness. I'll be hearing what's going on in the political arena; I'll be getting reports from the courts in California and other places; I'll be receiving more updates about the latest disasters in this place and the other; I'll be weeping over sorrows of families who have lost precious ones or are encountering severe illnesses; and on and on. Sometimes, I'll be dealing with worries and concerns within my own family. I often take these burdens to bed with me at the end of the day.

So what is the message of these sweet melodies that rouse me to another day's journey on my pilgrimage? As I progress from one sunrise to the next they remind me that the One who created the singers and the hearer is still clothed with honor and majesty. They are saying that He who laid the foundations of the earth governs the course of all things pertaining to it and all of His creation. Yes, they point me to Psalm 104 where I'm reminded of these truths and more.





No matter what's going on around us, dear precious ones, let's listen to what these lowly creatures are proclaiming about their Creator and ours. He still reigns. He's still in control of His universe. He has not left us nor forsaken us. Let's hang in there and listen--every day at the crack of dawn.

12 comments:

Susan said...

What a beautiful picture and beautiful thoughts about the birds singing goodness to you.

It was only one stop sign and it's been so long ago I can't remember for sure. I think we turned it in!! One thing I know, I don't have it now :o)
Susan

Neva said...

I love it that God makes the world so very wonderful, when He only needed to make it functional. He must love us so!

Blessings
neva

~~Deby said...

Maxine,
This is wonderfully written with a reminder for all us...we don't hear those sweet birds whinning do we or see them tossing about..but just their sweet calls....
I really needed to read this post.
Thank you,
Deby

Cathy said...

That is such a beautiful post, Maxine. They are singing their praises to God. I love to go outside and listen to them and whistle back to them. I talk to them and sometimes water them when watering my garden. :)

Barbara said...

I really enjoyed this post! I've been waking earlier and earlier lately. I haven't heard the birds, but was wondering if God was trying to tell me something.

I love bird watching and photographing them. The one that truly amazes me is the hummingbird. They are so small and delicate and 'wonderfully made'. God is such a perfectionist!

TO BECOME said...

Aren't we so blessed to have their concert and free to all who will listen. I loved your post and the image it stirred in my mind and the feelings it brought to my heart concerning my Heavenly Father. Have a great day, Maxine. connie from Texas

Anonymous said...

These are lovely thoughts. Here in Western Washington there is no morning song bird concert, only the caws of crows, with an occasional robin cheep. serving to remind me of God's curse on His creation.

sparrow's song said...

Wonderful little Eastern Bluebird perched on a vine.

I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Psalm 104:33

I know this verse in a song and it comes to mind as I read it.

My daughter mentions the singing of birds waking her early as well. They know many secrets that we do not.

I often take these burdens to bed with me at the end of the day.

Me too. I have to pull away from the media because I am so burdened by what I hear. How easily our eyes can be persuaded to drift from His throne to the man-made ones here below bringing sorrows with them.

Many times we take the simple and yet priceless singing of birds for granted. I'll never forget the lack of their song in Guam because the eggs and chicks were eaten in their nests by the brown snake. The loss of their song was profound on the Island. Excuse the cliche, but the silence was deafening.

I used to hate the early mornings when I was younger and wondered how on earth my father could get up so early even on a Saturday. But now that I'm older, I can see the value of those precious quiet mornings. I hope you continue to be blessed.

Maxine said...

Thanks everyone for enjoying the birds with me.
And Sparrow, it's so appropriate that you would recognize that little bluebird. He is so adorable, but then most of them are. The singing hasn't been as intense in recent days. I think many of them are busy with their young as more are hatching every day. I read that the male robins sing early and late from the higher trees. They sing to their mates who are sleeping on the nests in the lower branches (or wherever the nest is) during the night hours. If that is true, that is very sweet indeed.

Unknown said...

I loved this post and I also enjoy the songs from the birds early in the day.
We have the beautiful orioles here now and they have a lovely song.
My recent post is somewhat along the same lines as yours but you have written with far better insight.

Beverly said...

He gives us "joy in the morning." The birds have been singing to us in the morning as well and it has been delightful. It brings a smile every time.

Anonymous said...

Hi there,
What a lovely blog you have. I loved reading this piece and thought I would share with you that often I am woken in the night. I look at the clock and see what time it is and then i try to think of verses that correspond with the time. Like 3:15, "For God so loved the world............etc!
bless you,
form Sandra in New Zealand