Let mercy meet you.
Let faith move you.
Let love lead you.
Let grace soften you.
Let hope heal you.

I am not good at sleeping.
Once upon a time I was, but not anymore.
It’s been like this since college.

This morning I woke up at 4 AM after I dreamed I was thrown in jail. I’m not sure why I was in jail, but I was. And I wanted out, so I woke up. I guess that’s the nice thing about bad dreams. You can wake up.
But then you’re awake.
I rolled out of bed and Pancake followed me. 

I sat in my office and read Romans 1 and Hebrews 1.
I prayed.
I thanked God for a new day, but made sure to mention it started a little early.
I think He would have liked to tell me how long He’s been awake for, but spared me this time.
I prayed for the same few things I’ve been praying.
And then I prayed for them with different words.
And then again with new words.
And then again with silence.
Silence seems to say it all.
I asked for forgiveness and then deleted half of my inbox and useless files.
I love the sound the computer makes when you put something in the trash can and click empty trash.
I wrote something repetitive, but what’s new? 

I wrote something repetitive, but what’s new?
And then I wrote a short poem about when the unexpected happens.
I made a note to revise and edit the words.
I am always revising.
I am always editing.
My words, my life, my goals, my finances, my sins, my to-do list, my sleeping habits.
Revise.
Edit.
Revise.
Edit.
I closed my computer and opened the blinds in the living room.
I sat on the couch and watched the sun begin to make its way over the houses across the street.
Pancake and I moved to the window and saw the colors of the sky swirl with pinks and blues and yellows.

The sunrise is free, but I’d still pay to see it. 

Maybe this is what I woke up early for.

My silence met with His silence.

The sunrise didn’t need revising or editing.
It was perfect just the way it was.
I told God this, but I’m sure He will change it up tomorrow.
And I’ll probably be awake to see it.

For more of my poetry, check out my books!

About The Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.