In the morning, when I’m just about to take my first sip of coffee, I read “Waiting for God” by William Stafford. His words ground me. Reading this poem feels like deep breathing. Of course, I also share how I use this poem as inspiration for a quick writing invitation that’s a lovely way to start your day.

Waiting for God by William Stafford

This morning I breathed in. It had rained
early and the sycamore leaves tapped
a few drops that remained, while waving
the air's memory back and forth
over the lawn and into our open
window.  Then I breathed out.

This deliberate day eased
past the calendar and waited. Patiently
the sun instructed shadows how to move;
it held them, guided their gradual defining.
In the great quiet, I carried my life on,
in again, out again.

See the bold lines in italics?  After I breathe in, I pull out my journal and replace Stafford’s words with my own.  I look out the window and notice what’s happening in my backyard. I notice birds visiting our feeder, the hum of the dryer, or how the rising sun moves shadows down our hill. I love it when I notice what the squirrels leave behind.

I don’t worry about writing fabulous poetry. I just take a few minutes and write what I see, hear, and feel. It’s the noticing and grounding process that counts. The breathing, the quiet, and the perspective.

After a few minutes, I continue reading the rest of the poem.

Then I breathed out.

This deliberate day eased
past the calendar and waited. Patiently
the sun instructed shadows how to move;
it held them, guided their gradual defining.
In the great quiet, I carried my life on,
in again, out again.

Savoring Stafford’s perfect power lines is how I transition to the rest of my day. It’s lovely.

Try it and let me know how it goes.