Gentle

"I preferred to work by firelight in the kitchen instead of turning on the over head bulb. Electricity's too harsh for early morning. Even the sun knows to start gentle."

--from The Well and the Mine by Gin Phillips

I came across the above quote last week, and I think it is beautiful--especially these two lines:

Electricity's too harsh for early morning. Even the sun knows to start gentle. 

One of my favorite things is waking up and walking in the kitchen each morning. John is a much earlier riser than I am, so I usually stumble in and find him sitting at the table in the near dark drinking coffee and reading or writing. 

I like to pour myself a cup and join him.

It's quiet, dark, peaceful, and together we wake up slowly. Gently.

Summer mornings seem even more gentle. During the school year, those delicious waking-up moments are soon followed by the frantic rush to make breakfast, make lunches, get myself and the kids dressed and out the door. Summer mornings allow me/us to linger and to remain in that restful (gentle) state. It's a beautiful way to start the day.