Even though there is much to fear in this world, no one will rob me of each new day. My dog doesn't need a clock to know when each new day arrives. He stands at the side of my bed and when I feel his presence and his breathing, I slowly open my eyes. "It's a new day," he says through excited eyes and a wagging tail. Come on, let's see what it holds. I have to get out in that back yard and check out things that might have happened during the night. Perhaps you'll play ball with me. You never can tell what is going to happen, but it's got to be good!" He thinks only fun will come today. He has no doubts or fears about the hours ahead. When I look at his eager expression, I begin to think so too.The two cats soon follow. They softly creep about my bed, traveling slowly to my shoulders and stare into my eyes. "So, how about it?" they seem to say. "Come on, get up! We're hungry."
Cats carry a silent wisdom. They will cope with whatever the day brings. They immediately sit on the window ledge to observe the arriving dawn. After breakfast, they nap. Their easiness always brings a smile to my face. In the kitchen, even my parakeet says hello! "I'm singing to brighten the morning," she seems to say. It can't be a bad day if you have a song, I think. So, I hum as I feed the animals.
When I look outside, I see a stray cat sitting on the porch couch looking up at me, waiting. "Good morning," he nods, his expression telling me, "I've been out here all night guarding the house, waiting for the new day. So you have nothing to worry about with me out here. I can't wait to see what adventures are before me. Do you have anything good to eat?" I do not disappoint the expectation in his eyes and deliver him a hearty breakfast. Watching the cat devour it, gives me an appetite for my own first meal of the new day.
As I stand there, the sun opens up and splashes across the street. "Nothing can stop me unless I let it, " it speaks to me through its light. "Let my light chase away your darkness and fear." I rush inside to get dressed determined that no one or nothing will rob me of this day! (paraphrase - Harriet Savitz)
