During this lenten season, I decided not to give up anything, but instead to give more of something. I decided for a few different reasons that I would wake up a couple of hours before my boys every morning, dive into the word, and study His words more. (I guess, technically, I am giving up sleep, but I’m giving these hours to the Lord in the morning.)
I am not a morning person. I’m a nice person in the morning. It’s safe to talk to me in the mornings. But I’m a night owl. My habits have always been to sleep as late as my boys will allow and then rush in the mornings. We go through our day, and then around 7:30, I’m rushing my kids into bed. I’m ready for my time. My patience is dwindling. And then, at the end of the day, when the boys are in bed, I soak up the hours. I stay up until almost midnight just because I love those hours.
It’s when I’m most productive. But I’ve decided to make a change. To wake up before the boys. To soak up the word. To start the laundry. To pray for my family members and our day before their day begins. To shower and get dressed before they’re up. To get all of my needs taken care of with patience and care because self care is important. My needs are important. (Washing and drying my hair is important! Ha!)
But when I’m not careful with my time, my needs compete with their needs. And my needs keep me from having open eyes and an open heart to even the needs of strangers around me.
And I want our bedtime to be precious. I want to talk to them and tell stories. And read books slowly. I don’t want to rush through that process. I want to go to bed with the same feeling of praise that I have when I awake in the morning.
It does take a while to establish habits, but I want to regularly wake up, study His word, and pray. And then still be singing when the evening comes. To start my day with God and to ask Him to stay with me all day through my decisions and my words and my tendencies to lose my patience.
The beautiful “Let me be singing” sign is from Between You and Me on Etsy. My beautiful friend, Tara, creates these unique, beautiful signs and I love this one that is hanging in our home. This sign is the cry of my heart as I pray that each day I am still singing when the evening comes.
You can use code BEBRIDE for 10% off your purchase with Between You and Me
I really enjoy that song and the words used as you’ve used them are just what I needed to hear today. My mom always got up first, got completely dressed, etc. before the rest of the house. She’s now 78 and still does the same thing. When someone questioned her about it the other day she said she wants to be ready if her family calls and needs her. She doesn’t want to waste time getting dressed and putting on makeup. I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for writing.
Love it , Erin. I too have been waking early, getting that good time in with my Lord! It’s been wonderful! Love that canvas!
Yes!! Just before Lent began, I committed to waking up earlier than my family just to spend some precious time with Him, preparing my focus & attitude for the day. I REALLY notice a difference in myself & our day if I don’t take the time to do this. It’s not always easy, but I’m actually finding myself wanting to get a tad earlier (when I’ve had a full night sleep) to spend more time with Him. I love how you said your needs compete with others needs if you don’t s take that time in the morning.
Such a beautiful post. I know exactly what you mean about looking forward to “my time” at the end of the day, and I would love to follow your lead and wake up earlier for “my time” (including time with the Word).