The Woman I Can Be

Lately I've been struggling with my morning quiet time.  I'm tired. It's cold[er] in the morning and I really really love the happy cozy snuggly warm place that I first wake up in.  The idea of getting up and being cold does not make me happy.  So I hit the 5 minute snooze button on my cell phone over and over and over until I must get up and get ready, get the kids out the door to school, and greet my first family for the day. And then I'm not prepared in my spirit to face whatever the day, or even the first 20 minutes, might bring.

It's not a good thing.

Last, night, however, I was reminded of a time I stayed at a friend's home overnight. When we came downstairs the next morning there was worship music playing and we all sat around in pjs, drank coffee, and listened to God being praised.  And it was so peaceful and wonderful.  And so I had the epiphany last night that I should try this.

So I did.

I got up, opened I-tunes, started my coffee, and snuggled with my blanket on the couch, listening.  My spirit was ushered into His Presence and prayer came without my having to force it, groggy and falling asleep every two words.  I greeted the kids cheerfully.  I feel prepared in my spirit for whatever today may bring, and I am at peace instead of whiny tired.  I am beginning my day feeling so blessed to be repurposed for His using and available for His work in my life. 

If you don't have a quiet time with the Lord each morning, a way to usher in the day in His Presence, a way to focus the day on His purposes ... get one.

Here are some things I find helpful:

• Begin in the same place each day.  It becomes a special place and a ritual. Trust me.
• Light a candle and only light it during your time with the Lord.  Then you will see over time how much time you're spending with your Creator. 
• Play music to begin and to focus your thoughts on God and God alone.  
• Begin with 5 minutes if that's what you have. You'll get hooked and never want to leave. I promise. 
• Be consistent.  Every day. Same time. Do it.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you something new about the Father each day.  He will do it. Guaranteed.  
• Plan for it as you go to sleep. Get excited about it the night before.  Then ask the Lord to help wake you up.  It's amazing the different ways God has woken me up when I've asked Him to: a crying baby that goes back to sleep once I'm out of the bed, a sudden noise in my dream that wakes me, a simple popping the eyes open, a text message.  God loves the time you spend with Him. He's jealous for it.  He'll help you begin the habit.
• Don't give up.  If you sleep in one day, try again the next day. Be persistent. Be intentional.  The mornings I get lazy I always regret later in the day. 

The truth is I'm half the woman I could be without my morning time with the Lord, some time to sit at His feet and worship Him for who He is and listen for what He would have me do.

I much more prefer to be all the woman I can be.

For more inspiration to get your quiet time ritual started, go here.