Mornings on the Farm

     The day starts early here.  This season, when autumn lingers just a little longer but winter lends its touches, sunrise is a lovely time.  Our bedroom is on the east side of the house; early light beckons me.  I put on warm clothes right over my pajamas.
    Lucky the farm dog gets fed first.  He sleeps on a snuggly dog bed right next to the front door.  He always gets a little treat mixed with his regular dog food.  He likes leftover meat best, even chicken.  (Shhh.  Don't tell my girls about that.  We eat their eggs, but we buy "strangers" at the grocery store!)
   Then it's out to feed my chickens.  Sometimes a couple of them are waiting by the back door.  I usually bring in their feed dishes at sundown to discourage other critters from getting nightly snacks.  Lately I've had to refresh the waterers, too, by breaking the ice and pouring in fresh water.  Then I clean the coops.  Dirty straw is raked out, and clean straw is put in.  Most of the chickens still sleep in the big cedar tree next to the driveway; the youngest ones sleep in coops and are securely fenced in for the night.  Lately their mother has been sleeping in a different tree.  Is she keeping track of her daughters again now that they're grown?
     Back into the house I go.  Time for my own breakfast and hot, strong coffee.  Lucky waits on the porch.  When breakfast is over, I put a dog biscuit into my pocket and take him for his daily walk.  We have a lovely time.  He runs ahead of me - always the same route - but waits every now and then to make sure I'm still there.  This is my time with the Lord.  I pray, I worship, I sing.  Out here it's so easy to just open up.  We are surrounded by His beauty and majesty.  Morning is such a blessedly wonderful time.