Morning Reflections on Growth and Gratitude

In the early hours of dawn, as she gazed at her reflection, her tears formed delicate pools at the edges of her eyelids, reminiscent of morning dew resting upon hibiscus petals, eagerly awaiting the warmth of the sun. She took a deep breath, blinked slowly, and allowed the moisture to wash over her eyes, feeling the saltiness clear her vision. With another blink, a single tear began to flow from the corner of her eye, tracing a path down her cheek and disappearing into the hollow of her neck.

She cherished her tears; they served as a poignant reminder of her vitality and the endless possibilities that awaited her with the rising sun. As daylight gently kissed the horizon with golden hues, her heart awakened alongside it.

Despite a life filled with pain and loss, she was also intimately familiar with heartache, grief, anger, and resentment. Early in her journey, she recognized that these negative emotions were nurtured within herself. Determined not to let bitterness take root as she aged, she sought solace through prayer, confession, and ensuring a clear conscience before resting each night.

Navigating life as a woman in a male-dominated world, she internalized feelings of inadequacy, often feeling on the brink of condemnation. This tightrope walk of emotional survival felt suffocating, igniting a desire within her to break free.

Through self-discovery and inner healing, she faced the challenge of accepting and loving her true self, despite her perceived flaws. This journey often led her to distance herself from family, friends, and mentors, retreating into her own sanctuary.

In her childhood, she found refuge in hiding and escape. Under her bed, illuminated by a flashlight, she immersed herself in "The Little House on the Prairie" series, finding companionship in the pages of library books and encyclopedias. Outside, she climbed trees, feeling the sun and sky envelop her as she savored the sweetness of tropical fruits, momentarily cherished by nature. In those moments, she envisioned the transformation from an ugly duckling to a graceful swan.

As time passed, her physical eyesight deteriorated, leading to moments of darkness that filled her with fear. Yet, when her vision returned, a profound gratitude blossomed within her. Each episode of dimness planted seeds of appreciation for the often-overlooked blessings in life. This ongoing struggle helped her cultivate a broader perspective, allowing her to empathize with the hidden sorrows of others.

Fast-forward to today, she inhaled deeply once more. The clouds resisted the dawn, casting shadows over the ground blanketed in ice and snow. However, she didn't need the sun's warmth to dispel her own shadows; she stood there intentionally, finding clarity in her circumstances: today was a gift. Alive and vibrant, she felt the richness of potential surrounding her. With a heart full of gratitude, she reflected on her children, past loves, new connections, meaningful service, and her impending graduation. A smile graced her face as she contemplated the adventures waiting for her — those dreams that had been patiently waiting for their moment to unfold.

With another blink at the sun rising in the east, she allowed another tear to fall, surrendering it to the ground below. Then, turning her gaze westward, she continued her journey toward the majestic sunset that would later capture her heart and inspire her spirit.

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