Early Bird Gets the Worm

I have read a few posts lately about the benefits of rising early. I was really good for about a while, going to bed early and rising in the wee hours of the morning and then the Winter Olympics came and I was up late watching them. The next time was working like a charm too but then traveling and getting sucked into Law and Order (I love that show!) next thing I know I am waking up at 7:30, huh? Well this great gal, Ruth over at GraceLaced just posted about the 5:45 Club. I was again encouraged to make an effort. She asked a simple question. I responded and now I feel held accountable. Even though I know she is not going to call me at 5:46 to make sure I am up, but rather it is the fact of keeping your word, even if it is out there in cyber space.

So why wake up early you ask? You are already exhausted from being a full time mom with a full time job (so actually you have two full time jobs), you are a college student cramming late at night, you are a newly married wife with all sorts of commitments, or you are someone who just LOVES their sleep. I can only tell you the benefits that I have received.

Reason #1
THE HOUSE IS QUIET
It is almost guaranteed that no one else is going to be up. Yes, there are mornings that one or both rugrats is up early but 95% of the time it is just me and my refrigerator humming.

                                                                                                photo by Latente

Reason #2

COFFEE

Okay, so I am still in love with my coffee and I do go back and forth about drinking this delicious elixir. For me it is not about caffeine but rather the ritual. The smell, the warmth, the cup, the first sip, that is what I love about coffee.

Reason #3

A PLETHORA OF TIME

If you plan it out right you are able to make this time in the morning so sweet and useful, it is wonderful.

I wake up to not only the alarm but the beeping of my coffee maker telling me to come hither, it is ready. I have my devotion and prayer time. I then get on the computer, checking emails, blogs and write a post or prep for a post. Look at what needs to be accomplished during the day; laundry, cleaning, dinner etc.

Reason #4

TIME WITH MY SAVIOR

By far the best reason ever! I find that I am way more useful and pleasant if I start the day with my best friend. Getting to know Him, reading about Him, learning His ways, listening for His voice. I wish I could spend hours in the quiet with Him but it is not going to happen. So I embrace the quiet time I have and cling to it all day or as long as I can. As you know I am no way perfect, I have issues, I am sinful, I grumble to myself, and I miss the mark daily if not every minute or so. However, if I start out my day on the right foot, I tend to not go down that path as quickly.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path

Psalm 119:105

I hope to encourage not frustrate. If 5:45 does not work for you just try fifteen minutes earlier than normal. Try it for a week and then slowly try fifteen minutes earlier than that. Rome was not built in a day and you are not going to magically wake up at 5:45 when you have always woke up at 8:00. Give yourself grace and know that whatever time you commit to Him, He will bless you richly.