“Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who made the morning.”
I love this poem by Mary Oliver mostly because it pushes me to change my perspective on the day ahead every time I read it.
It reminds me that there is so much to see and celebrate all around me.
And I need that reminder, especially when it’s really easy for me to get caught up in the challenges instead.
I need that reminder this week for sure.
These words remind me to take a moment to say hi to God in the morning. You know, just “hi.” It reminds me to pause in awe of the created world and, if compelled by what I see, to follow the “hi” up with a simple “thank you.”
Don’t get me wrong, I believe that God wants to hear my angst. I believe God is always ready to listen to it. God knows life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
I believe God wants me to be honest with how I’m feeling even if my heart is screaming: “Look, Lord, this parenting game you’ve got me playing right now – the rules have changed and the field is muddy and I am even more not sure of what I’m doing.”
If I’m mad, I believe God wants to know that.
If I’m frustrated with myself or others, God wants to know that too.
God is there for all of it with open arms.
But every time I read this poem, it reminds me that a relationship goes both ways. As much as God wants to be there for me, I believe God relishes every time I’m there for God too.
I imagine God filled up with joy like I am every time one of my sons utters a simple and unprompted “hi” and “thank you”.
So today I’ve got a lot I want to share with God, but I’ll start with this:
Hi.
Thank you.
