Thank You

   Set the scene:  It is 5:15 in the morning, dark outside and quiet inside..

   The question: Do I get up, and if so what do I do?

   The background: I was inspired yesterday when looking at some photos that my neighbor had posted on Facebook, and I wanted to see if I could do some of the same. She's good and hard to follow, but I had to try, I thought.

   I usually give some thought each night before dropping off to what time I want to get up. Last night was no exception and I thought about 5:30 or so would be right. If the weather looked good, I might go down to the lighthouse area and try some night and early morning shots. After I determine a good wake up time, I pray (selfishly maybe) that if this is what God wants me to do, He will wake me up. Now I don't know theologically about that type of prayer, but, for me, it gives a boost to rolling out.

   I did not want to just run out the door and begin shooting, I wanted to at least tip my hat to God and pray for a minute or two and look up one of the readings (probably to see if I was really supposed to venture out). Here is a verse from Psalm 5 this morning:

"O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch."

   In the morning God hears my voice and he calls on me to sacrifice and watch. I'm not exactly sure about the sacrifice part, but I do like the hearing and watching.

   That sounds like a "yes" to me, so I check the weather and find out that currently it is partly cloudy and not raining. Could be a good morning to shoot.

   Here I am at the pier/village area before 6AM. What will I find? I am watching..

   The first image is that light coming through the trees.

Then there is the beach area with a brightening sky in the background.

   Then it is back up the steps and looking east again.

   Then I start to pack up and head for home, but first..

   Then a thought, "I may not be as good as my neighbor at this stuff, but I am sure glad to be alive this morning. A Chamber of Commerce type of beginning to my day, and gratitude is my prayer. Thank You God for all You have done."