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Sun in the morning

Pastoral Messages | June 21, 2017

When I was a senior in high school, I was part of the production of our school’s musical—Annie Get Your Gun. It’s a somewhat-whimsical story of the fictional sharpshooter Annie Oakley, taking place in the Wild West.

I played flute in the pit orchestra where we’d sit quietly during rehearsals listening to Annie or Buffalo Bill, waiting patiently for the next song to come along and our chance to chime in.

One evening, just a few weeks from opening night, the cast and orchestra seemed to be struggling a bit with coordinating our cues. Perhaps we were playing a little too quickly, or Annie was just a little late on her entry. But I’m certain we played the same piece no less than 20 times that night.

The song involved Annie singing about gratitude, her ode to a life of simplicity and being grateful for the simplest of gifts—even in the midst of hardships. Sometimes I swear I can still hear the chorus in my sleep: “I got the sun in the morning and moon at night.”

“Got no mansion, got no yacht, still I’m happy with what I’ve got… I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night. Got no checkbooks, got no banks, still I’d like to express my thanks… I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night.”

Listen to the song here.

We eventually got our timing perfected and the show, of course, received critical acclaim from the high school newspaper. And though I can’t remember most of the dialogue from the musical, that refrain is forever etched in my memory.

Maybe it’s a catchy tune. It was a fun song to play. Or maybe there’s something about the repeated rehearsal of those specific words that somehow made their way into the deep recesses of my brain. On many occasions when I’m becoming a bit grouchy about my personal circumstances, this chorus somehow pops up. When I start to get frustrated that things aren’t quite going my way or that life is just down right hard…I find myself thinking quietly, “Yes… but I’ve got the sun in the morning and the moon at night and I’m alright.”

Some days, I’m quite glad that, of all songs, this is the one we played over and over and over again. There’s a gift to rehearsing gratitude. The more we practice it, the more it becomes a natural response to any particular situation. After all, scripture talks of being grateful in all circumstances and giving thanks at all times.

I’m convinced that words inform our thoughts which guide our beliefs and actions. So why not fill our minds with words of gratitude and joy? If you want, start with these: “I’ve got the sun in the morning and the moon at night.”

Katy Warren, associate pastor

9 Comments on “Sun in the morning”

  • Stella Herzig

    June 24, 2017 at 10:59 pm

    Love it!!! ????

  • Barbara Kuttler

    June 22, 2017 at 9:43 pm

    I think I need to adopt this as a signature tune for my time at Guantánamo Bay… thank you, once again, Pastor Katy…

  • David DeWit

    June 22, 2017 at 7:59 pm

    Sadly, the only song I remember from that show is “Anything you can do,I can do better.” Your song is much more helpful. Thanks, Katie.

  • Heidi Watkuns

    June 22, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    Reminds me of a sermon I heard many years ago. The gist of it was to keep looking out the east window where the sun always rises, not out the west window where the sun always sets.
    And, as my Dad always taught me, HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE, BABY!!!
    Great job, Katy!

  • Jan Aplin

    June 22, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    I’m grateful that our paths crossed and for your many ministry gifts. And I’m sure I’ll be quite thankful tonight when I close my eyes and I can’t get that song out of my head!

  • Babs Treiber

    June 22, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    Very good, Katy. Great message, I love the song, and such fun catching a glimpse of you back in High School !!

  • Jean Quam

    June 22, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    I’d say these days, you are “doing what comes naturally”….you are a good writer

  • Kathy Bucciferro

    June 22, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    Good reminder – to practice gratitude and be mindful of opportunities to share and express our thanks. Thanks Katy !!

  • Bonnie Fox

    June 22, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    Ethel Merman on the You Tube? Great message, Pastor Katy!

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