There is a moment each day when it is morning before it is morning. Darkness hovers over the deep. Those who wait for the dawn can hear it even before they see it. At first are only the slight sounds of attunement as a chorus of birds assembles twits and trills, chirps and peeps, and even the occasional squawk. Slowly they gather into one great concerted song of supplication: Let it begin! Let us Begin! May it begin again!
They are of one accord. They do not take the dawn for granted. When it bursts upon them, once again, as on the first day of creation, they give thanks once again for this once only day, to begin.
The birds know, as we sometimes do, that the light does not dawn because of our singing. We sign because the dawn appears as grace.
From: Leddy, Mary Jo. Radical Gratitude. Orbis Books, 2002. p. 38-39.
What a wonderful picture. May we all never tire of thanking God for each and every precious day. Praise the Lord for all that He provides for us.