My day started before dawn with choices of how to begin the
day. Should I go for a run in the park with Roscoe? Should I go the gym? Should I go for a swim? Should I do Yoga? Should I read Merton’s
Friday dawn meditation? Should I stay in bed? Choices begin
before I put my feet on the floor. Every morning I pray for serenity, that I
“live this day in a simple, sincere way, repelling every thought of anxiety
discontent, and self-seeking, cultivating cheerfulness and magnanimity”
(Forward Day by Day, Morning Resolve). And every morning moves to day and choices
and demands multiply along with my anxiety, discontent, and self-seeking.  I cannot even finish this brief written
thought without the phone ringing and urgent tasks walking my office.

Paul says that we are to “pray without ceasing” (Thessalonians
5:17) and Merton suggests, “We should do less,” so contrary to the smiling hum
of business that surrounds me. Regardless of dawn resolve, the light of day blinds
me as the race begins. Come the end of the day I will drag home
angry, tired and bitter, again.