My collective essence (mind, body, and spirit) is never so clear, grounded, and focused as it is at dawn’s first breath. This is the time when the answers I seek come to me; while my mind is still not 100% alert to what’s going on in the world, before the distractions of life and living establish their pecking order on my day’s To Do list.

I constantly ask God for clarity in dealing with situations in my life—those that I am aware of, those I’m not, and those to come. For me, clarity always comes with a bite; it can be truly a painful thing.

Not everything I want is something I need
Not everything I think I need is good for me right now… or ever
Not everyone that flows into my life is meant to remain there

Yes, I find that most times clarity comes with a bite. I could ignore the sting, ignore the budding wound, and proceed headfirst down the path of my own creation…into whatever lies beyond. But this usually increases the chance of encountering chaos, increasing the likelihood for missteps.

Or I could pause to clean the tear, where ever it falls in my spirit, emotion, or psyche, and deal with the pain or discomfort that comes with the cleanse. I’ve learned that sometimes the “situational temporary” is all I’ll get. I just gotta learn the lesson at hand so I’m prepared for the day the “situational permanent” arrives.

Is it always easy? No
Is it always fun? No

But it is always educational & fortifying
It always tempers my mettle

Death is a necessity: fleshly desires, unhealthy wants, & recklessness must not only be eliminated, but applied as mulch to fertilize the growth, the positive, and the true direction of your life.