Rise and Shine by Mark Keathley

When my youngest was just two years old, he would toddle down the stairs in the dark and sneak into our room and hang out for a minute or two, and wait for the light to show up in the east. He would ease up to his mother's ear and whisper, "momma, the sun's up! Momma, the sun's up!" He was anxious to get on with his exploring and playing. We lived in the country and there was a whole new world to find every day. We might have been a bit too "loose" with him - kind of like a momma bear - because even at two or three he had free reign of the big yard - a two acre area where there were ducks and chickens, a few peacocks, a horse, and even a milk cow and calf were often in their pen next to his stomping ground. I could see his movements from my Studio window, but I still thank God for watching over him. These three cubs are anxious for momma bear to get up and going. While one is still snuggling against his mother, the other two have climbed aboard and are ready to get on with the adventure of the day. So go ahead and put down your "busy-ness" and look for another day of adventure with those who are closest to you when you Rise and Shine.  

~ Mark Keathley