6:00 AM
I have said this many times before, even on this blog. I have never considered myself a morning person. Growing up, I would read my Bible at the end of the day. Branching into adulthood, I would read whenever I felt like it. Unfortunately, this did not always prove to be the best route for a faithful commitment to the Word.
Well, the day has arrived. I am 32 years old and quickly approaching 33. I am married and a mother of 2 sweet girls. I can't avoid it anymore.. I had to start waking up earlier if I was going to get unhurried, undistracted and consistent Bible study time. Truthfully, it's not even that early. I wake up around 6 a.m. every morning to read the Bible and converse with the Lord.
I wish that I had begun this discipline long ago. This has been the most remarkable adjustment! I am amazed at the way my whole day and even family has been affected by this new habit. My daughter often wakes up and "catches" me still reading. Her innocent curiosity has continued to grow and "What are you reading about today?" has become a question that I expect every day. Her questions are increasingly specific. She is asking that we read Bible stories more often. She is reaching for her own Bible. She does not know how to read yet but she knows that it is important, she sees how I feel about reading my own Bible, she knows many of its stories and that the red letters are Jesus' words. My husband spends his first hour with the Lord as well. Our attitudes are far more prepared for the day and all that it brings. I am least distracted at this point in the day as well as I am rested and feel ahead of the game at this point. Through all of this, I have experienced more freedom and peace since beginning this discipline than I have in years!
So here I am ready for a hearty helping of crow. I've said that morning quiet times weren't for me. To be honest, in some seasons they weren't (looking at the newborn days where you fight for sleep and grab at verses here and there praying God brings you the sweet relief of physical rest as much as spiritual). Now, however, it is for me and I am having the most amazing experience learning from the Lord.
This is purely testimony to offer as encouragement. Fight for time in the Word. Shift where you must in order to set yourself up for authentic interaction with the Lord. It is worth fighting for. I don't have the option of carelessness in handling God's word and am determined to be more faithful to it with every day that I am granted. I pray you will jump into it. I pray your loved ones see how it will work in you and move toward it themselves.
6:00AM… want to join me??