Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
– Psalm 148:3a (NIV)

While I have been a “prayer warrior” for most of my life, and more committed to regular prayer practices during the past 18+ years, it has only been since my husband and I moved to our current home in 2009 that I have become completely and utterly devoted to my morning “quiet” time with God. In this home, I have created a room specifically for the purpose of being quiet – whether in prayer or meditation in the morning, or for hours of reading and writing for my studies. It is the morning that I yearn for the most – especially when the mourning doves are vibrantly present on the roof of our home or somewhere close by my window.

I am certain I have heard the coo of the mourning dove before we moved to this home, and also certain that I never appreciated it the way I do today. Their calm, tender call invites me to a time of peacefulness with God, as it soothes my soul and wraps me in the soft blanket of His love. It is a glorious sound that I barely hear with my ears any longer – because my spirit feels it first. I am convinced that God brings me the word of His unfailing love through this lovely bird’s coo. For each time I hear it, my spirit is called back from the distractions of my morning monkey mind. Each time I feel it vibrate through my soul, I experience waves of calm. Each time it lingers, longer beat by longer beat, I rest in God’s presence.

Then, in the evenings, as I walk about in the neighborhoods surrounding our home, I am brought back to the morning comfort by the same coo. After long days of questioning my decisions, my thoughts and my behaviors, I am reminded of the peaceful resting place I always have in the blanket of God’s unfailing love. It is remarkable to me that a simple song from a bird can bring so much peace to my heart. I suppose that is what really good gifts are all about – once received, they keep giving.

I am forever grateful to You, dear Lord
for these creatures You have created
never failing to return,
never failing to beckon,
the never failing carriers of
Your unfailing love.