Start the Day with a Smile

The early bird catches the sunrise - Mackinac Island

While listening to the audio version of the book Leading With Soul, a particular moment caught my attention in a way that made me eventually have to backtrack and re-listen, as my thoughts overshadowed the narrative. The story is a leadership allegory, with the traditional "sage" and "seeker" roles, moving through leadership choices and reflection. At one point, when bringing Spirit into leadership, the "Seeker" is asked about night time prayers. His response is that the prayer he remembers is the traditional 18th Century bedtime prayer:

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep,

If I should die before I 'wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

The discussion that ensued centered around the fear that accompanies this prayer, when as a young child every night ends with a prayer that emphasizes possible death! As an educator I often contemplate the things we do and say to and in front of children without considering the lasting effects. This prayer to me is the perfect example.

Where my thoughts went while listening to this was a place of gratitude, for a wholly different experience, thanks to my mother and her bedtime rituals with me. There was always reading, to which I attribute my early and continued love of reading. Then prayers, remembering family and friends and that for which we were thankful. The very last part of the bedtime ritual was a lullaby. Specifically Brahms lullaby. Her version veered from the original a bit, but this is what I remember hearing nightly:

Lullaby, and Goodnight,

Go to bed now, and sleep tight.

Close your eyes and start to yawn,

Pleasant dreams until the dawn.

When the sun lights the sky

you will wake feeling spry.

Start the day with a smile,

Life is really worth while.

Now, those who know me, not even that well, will attest that I am a morning person! I truly "start the day with a smile" from the moment I awake. I've been told it's annoying (by former roommates and my sister), but I believe in the spoken word. How could I not arise at sunlight, happy and ready to live life, when from the time I was born this is the message my mother gave me at the end of every day.  What a legacy my mother has given me, which I passed down to my son. Regrettably for him, as my mother is a much better singer. Instead of being sent to bed worrying over death and God wanting my soul, I was already looking forward to the joy of living life another day. 

Happy birthday mom!

My mother requested that family and friends share a favorite memory as part of her birthday celebration this year. I'm a few months late, but this is my story for her. More than a single moment in time, every day that I wake up smiling is a testimony and remembrance of the love I received from my mom.