The Morning Routine

Coffee... Everybody needs that extra perk in the morning... that special something to get them wide eyed and aware of their surroundings.

But what else is lacking in our morning routine? Most people wake up, clean up, suck down a cup of coffee, and bolt for the door. Breakfast is a luxury for many, as is taking a moment to visit with members of the family.

My routine is hardly different than most people's. There is one exception. Each morning, I wake up (thank goodness!) and take at least 10 minutes of personal quiet time while I lay in bed. This is 'MY TIME'... a moment apart from the chaos of the world around me.

There's not much to do while ya lay there. You can look at the ceiling, or examine the lamp shade. I prefer to spend those first few moments of the day visiting with God. It's a time for prayer, for sharing with God what I hope to accomplish that day, and a moment of quiet reflection on things past, present and future. I find it very soothing.

There are days when I don't have enough time to do a full bible study, and a lot of days where I'm in no mood to drag myself over to church for a morning mass. This personal time with God is my way of centering myself for the day... because I take those moments to re-center him in my life.

I've asked people what the most important things in their life are... what do they need daily to get through life, and what keeps them busy. Many people will list: coffee, family, friends, the cell phone, the tv, work, school, food, the computer, the car, bills and finances, the bar, chocolate, the radio... etc. If God isn't our center, all these things crowd him out. He gets pushed to the side, and worshipped when it's convenient. Things take center stage.

I've found that my days go a whole lot better when I've had my morning visit with God. Like that first cup of coffee, God awakens me to the beauty and joy in the world around me. I am more aware, spiritually, of my surroundings. Things just run smoother.