The dash lights in my Jeep are glowing soft and green, just enough to see the steam rising off my mug while the rest of

I’m sitting down here by the riverbank, watching the last of those Texas stars hang on before the sun starts to wake up the Hill Country. It’s a quiet kind of magic, just me and the sound of the water, knowing that my favorite people are sleeping safe and warm just up the hill. I’ve got a fresh pot of coffee and a heavy stack of post oak ready for the smoker, because good barbecue—much like good karma—takes a whole lot of patience and a little bit of soul.
There’s a peace that comes from being the first one awake, tending to the fire while the air is still crisp and sweet with spring. It makes my heart feel full to the brim just thinking about the laughter we’ll have around the table later today. Life is so simple when you realize that all the love you give out eventually finds its way back home to you. Hook ’em, y’all, it’s going to be a beautiful day.