“Rise and Shine!” “Perhaps I will rise, but I may not shine.” From the ‘60s group Strawberry Alarm Clock came the tune “Good Morning, Starshine” which eventually became more famous for its use in the smash Broadway hit Hair. Please notice the change of “star” for “sun.”
Whether you awaken to the stars or to the sun, what motivates you to crawl out of that warm bed each morning?
Sure, the sound of the blaring alarm disturbs you, but it can not force you out of the comfy comforter. Possibly the dog or cat pacing to go out or to eat on its regular schedule interferes. The four-letter word, “work”, certainly tries to push you into the day. Nothing, however, can make you leave your friendly confines.
Getting up each morning is your personal choice. Would a kid on Christmas morning have trouble getting up? Leaving for a much-deserved vacation early that morning pulls you into the car and on your way. These special events, unfortunately, are not every day.
There must be a more immediate magnet. I remember the funny story about three senior men who were complaining about the tribulations of getting older.
Charlie said, “I wake up every morning at 6:00 with a terrible urge to urinate. I stand over the toilet only to watch perhaps a tinkle, never a stream. Now my wife calls me Mr. Tinklepants.”
Not to be outdone, Fred says, ”That ain’t nothing. At 7:00 a.m. like clockwork, I sprint out of bed trying to reach the commode before I shit myself. But there I sit brokenhearted; thought I’d crap but only farted.”
Joe, who was listening patiently to these stories of woe, finally said, “Hmm? Every morning at 6:00 I piss like a racehorse, and then at 7:00, I crap like a goose.” Enviously, the other men said,” That’s great Joe, wish we could do that.” Without hesitation, Joe spoke up, “No, you really don’t. I don’t wake up until 8:00!”
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Psalm 118
Through our book Black and White Like You and Me, we propose that today is a great day to change, to help, to make the world a better place for all people. You are the metal being pulled out of bed by the greatest magnet in the universe. Rise and Shine whether by the sun or the stars. “The earth says Hello!”
PHOTO CREDIT: copyright Strawberry Alarm Click. Visit their official website at www.strawberryalarmclock.com
