From the Windowsill

It is finally one of my favorite times in the year - Spring has arrived! A bit later than usual, but here just the same. I absolutely love having the windows open! The fresh air, the sound of the birds singing, the sun filtering through the curtains all have a way of refreshing and energizing my soul for the day ahead. This morning, I was able to spend my time reading and praying in front of one of these open windows. It was then that I realized "someone" else in the house was sharing my joy.

My son's cat - Jasmine - seems to love open windows as much as I do (perhaps even more!) Once she had her obligatory treat and morning attention from me, she spent quite a bit of time moving from room to room looking for the open windows. Jasmine went from the back of the couch, to her official perch attached to my small office window, to the windowsill in my bedroom. She finally decided to linger on this one. As I finished getting ready for my day, I thought about how content she seemed to be. She watched the birds flitting between the pines in the yard, and paid no attention to my activity. Her tail flicked slowly back and forth, and she seemed to just be watching, enjoying, taking in the beauty of the morning.

In a recent conversation with my spiritual director, I talked about how my morning routine was being interrupted. I had been getting up extra early (5:00), and even looked at the fact that I could function all day and not become tired as a particular grace that I had been granted. But soon, things began to get in the way. The early morning became a rush to get through my reading, my prayers, my quiet meditation, before it could all be disturbed. My special time alone had become a source of stress, not peace. It was suggested that I change the routine, start my "alone time" later in the morning. Perhaps, I was told, I should not try to get to work so early, as had been my routine. Perhaps, I was told, God was trying to tell me that everything would still be there for me to do, whether I arrived at 7:00 or at 8:00. 

I began changing my routine the very next morning, and found that special peace again! The house is quiet and calm. I no longer feel the need to rush off to work (and yes, the building is still standing when I arrive at 8:00 instead of 7:00), and I am much better prepared to face my day. So this morning, I spent some extra time enjoying the world from my windowsill (one I wasn't sharing with Jasmine). The slight breeze is still blowing, the birds are still singing, the sun is still filtering through the curtains. God has spoken to the quiet of my heart, and given me my strength for the day. I have spent time in quiet with my dear Friend, and know that He has enjoyed my company as well.

As for Jasmine, she has already moved on to her spot by the sliding door downstairs.