Early mornings have become my favorite time of day. This is a very recent change for me. For most of my 49 years, sleeping in was pretty much my biggest goal. On my days off I could easily sleep until noon or later. On workdays, I knew exactly how long it took me to get ready, and I snoozed until the very last minute.
About 4 years ago, I started getting up at 5 with Robert. He’s always been an early riser, and a super happy one at that! From the time we got married, he wished I would get up with him, and I finally gave in. Grumbling and complaining for probably the first six months.
Then, something happened and this morning time became extremely precious to me. My days, like everyone else’s, fill up quickly with work, appointments, people, and NOISE. Having an hour or so to get up, drink a cup of coffee, and read my Bible changed my days in a way I never could have expected. I didn’t realize how MUCH this time impacted my day until I changed jobs and lost a portion of that time.
I used to get up at 5 AM, but I didn’t have to leave the house until 8 or 8:15. With the new job, I leave an hour earlier, and it is shocking how much of a difference that one hour made. For the first few months, I didn’t give it much thought since I was adjusting to the new position and travel, but it soon became apparent how much I was missing the quiet, relaxing time with the Lord.
I had already committed to taking a sabbatical from creative writing, but in the process, I realized I stopped journaling, and my Bible reading was minimal at best. I noticed I was letting things slide that I never would have before, and it became apparent that my morning ‘quiet time’ was so much more valuable than I ever thought.
The Bible has a lot to say about seeking Him and spending time with Him early in the morning. I never paid much attention and scoffed at the idea of getting up before the sun rose. Then I did it consistently.
There is something powerful about starting my day reassured that God is with me, that He loves me despite my failures the day before, and I begin the day with a sense of accomplishment from having completed something before I leave the house.
Spending time with the One Who can give me everything I need to means, even if I don’t feel like it, I am equipped to face whatever the day will bring.
So I encourage you – Seek Him early, and seek Him often.
I’d like to challenge you to try it for 30 days. Get up one hour earlier and spend the time with your favorite journal, the Bible, and a cup of your favorite morning beverage, and see if it doesn’t make a difference in your life.
- Breakthrough – Chis McClarney
- God I Look to You – Francesca Battistelli