The Duty of the Morning

This morning is different, yet the same,
But feeling, perhaps, a tad bit strange.
Someone else is headed out the drive,
Doing what I’m normally the one to do.

Life has a ready challenge for every task under the sun
When one needs to step up and do,
Then stepping and doing is done.
That’s where I trust the doer of this need today.

This morning, while thinking about the present
My mind couldn’t help but slip back to the really old days
I wondered. How did they start their day?
No technology or morning news. No quick food or brew.

No packing or loading of the truck.
Distance and time, it will be a far piece.
But when the need is great, and you have the time,
Well, let’s use our resources. Advantage Home Team.

We take for granted something that they would never see
Microwave, box of cereal, or even coffee. What a brew!
The Internet news of disasters and the preposterous.
Next to my trusted Bible that was printed decades ago.

The morning after Sodom and Gomorrah.
Lot’s wife is now a pillar of salt. What next?
“And Abraham went early in the morning to the place
where he had stood before the LORD.” (Genesis 19:27 NKJV)

Not a mention of servants, food, or hot black coffee.
A normal place not far from the door of his tent.
All probably recognized it. This is Abraham’s place.
This is where he pondered, prayed, and listened to God.

It is on the return journey of self-exiled penance.
Jacob is returning home, and on that last night? A miracle!
“Then Jacob rose early in the morning,
and took the stone that he had put at his head,
set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it.” (Genesis 28:18 NKJV)

That special place changes names.
Ordinary sleep is replaced with a vision, or was it but a dream?
Regardless, it has a special meaning. From now on?
“Beth-el” by the translation, we say “House-of God.”

I’m afraid. I could do this all day. One more. Please.

Life of privilege after a terrible beginning story.
Then a struggle with identity. Fear. Flee. Rebuild. Who am I?
I imagine those first 80 years were diametrically different
Between the first half and the last.
But life isn’t over. God has a new plan.
Burning Bush. Call to a challenge. It’s time to travel.
A return. I’m sure he never thought it would happen.
It’s now high time to face the challenge.
Three times he’s recited the call from God.
On the fourth? A new phrase.
God is getting serious.

“And the LORD said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning
and stand before Pharaoh as he comes out to the water.
Then say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD:
“Let My people go, that they may serve Me.” (Exodus 8:20 NKJV)

Perhaps this is my morning. One which I’ve given over to God.
I will even get up early if my schedule gets packed by life.
Breakfast. Check-in with the world. Read my daily Word.
And spend some time talking to God.

I’ve come to realize more than others may know.
My talking to God comes from within these words.
Yes. I call them my blog. But. Here’s a distinction.
Every day I’ve asked for a new Word or thought.
God has never failed me. Brand new!
So I relate it to you. The question I wonder, can you answer?

What is the Duty of Your Morning?