Before I am quite ready for my day, I am suddenly flooded with emails and phone calls that need my attention. Or at least it feels that way.
 
I find the older I get, the more I need to enter gently into any stream of tasks. While the content of my morning quiet time has shifted over the years, my need for an hour or more of peaceful contemplation remains. Sometimes I spend this time in conscious prayer. Other times I am in an inner dialogue with God that does not really consist of words. Or perhaps I am just sitting still.
 
Now, I take a deep breath and remind myself that any of the tasks at hand can wait for a moment. Or longer. I send my attention to the Holy One, who always responds with loving-kindness. And I am comforted. Now, not only is the work ahead of me less daunting, but I also know I will be able to respond out of faithfulness. I offer God a prayer of thanks and open my email once again.

Let your loving-kindness be my comfort,
as you have promised your servant.
Psalm 119:76