The Early Part of Autumn
by
Candice Watters
on Sep 5, 2007 at 12:02 AM
Even though summer isn't over till the 21st of September, in my mind, today is the start of fall. I'm ready for crisp air, ripe pumpkins, apple cider and sweaters. The sun may be beating down and it's probably 80 degrees outside, but in my heart, it's autumn. And that means back-to-school and back-to-routine. Ah routine. I long for it. Especially after three months of relaxing the pace.
The best thing about routine is early to bed and early to rise, because it's only when I get up early -- 5 a.m. early -- that I have time to read the Bible and pray. It's part of the rhythm of my life, as one of my first posts from this time last year reveals:
During this morning's quiet time, it dawned on me -- well before dawn -- that I've become dependent on time alone with God. And the only way I can get it is to get up early. Of course in Colorado, rising before the sun often brings the benefit of actually seeing the "purple mountains majesty."
But that stunning view of Pike's Peak alone isn't enough to wake me. It's what happens when I miss that window.
Nothing gets me off to a worse start than oversleeping only to wake to the sound of kids already up and raring to go. No quiet. No alone time. And no peace. I need the daily direction I get when I spend time reading the Bible. The Psalms and Proverbs are especially helpful during this demanding season of rearing small children. Having uninterrupted time for listening for God's voice -- specifically asking Him what the priorities for the day should be -- and meditating on what He's already said to me in his Word, has become the most important thing I do each day. When I don't, I feel like a ship without a rudder and a car with no gasoline. I lack both direction and power.
It really does make a difference.
Feeding Your Soul by Jean Fleming talks about how to have a quiet time. It's a very practical handbook that ends with a prayer that includes the line, "Make me what You had in mind when You created me ..." I love that image of a blueprint for my life; of a master designer drawing up plans for what my life should be. That's not to say I always conform to the plan. And often what should be is not what is.
And so I get up early again. Today and tomorrow and the next day. There's just something about early.
1. BeccaM had the following to say on Sep 5 at 7:07 AM:
Thanks for the post. I've been trying to get myself up earlier to have that peaceful time. I can totally identify and it's encouraging for me to get up and not hit snooze on the alarm.
2. Pete had the following to say on Sep 5 at 8:49 AM:
Here in South Africa spring is breaking and days are getting longer. It's easier to get up in the mornings to go for a run or a bit of mountain biking and experience the wonder of God's creation firsthand. Awesome!
There truly is a season for everything.
3. apryl had the following to say on Sep 5 at 7:46 PM:
The ladies over at girttalk.blogs.com shared about their tradition of the 5am club on their blog and in their new book "Shopping for Time"; in which they Carolyn Mahaney wakes up at 5am and calls her daughters to make sure they are up and have started their day as well.
So after reading their book during a weekend retreat with a couple of girlfriends of mine, we decided we'd join the 5am club too. The first two weeks were very difficult, and I'd bet half of the days I didn't get up as early as I meant to. This week it is much easier to get up, and get the day started. The time spent with the Lord has been so wonderful that I end up wishing I could spend all day at His feet.
The trick for me, in getting up earlier, is also going to bed earlier (of course), which is hard for a night owl - but I've been told it's possible.