Morning: Five Minute Friday

Linked up at Kate's site for another Five Minute Friday free-write. Won't you join us and enjoy the encouragement and community??


It's morning as I type this post. I read the prompt last night and wasn't sure how to approach it. Kate's beautiful post set my mind in the right direction though.

The celebration of Christ's Resurrection is fast approaching. Easter is early this year. I cannot imagine the emotions that morning to the full extent of those present, but Christians set aside some time leading up to Easter to reflect and center themselves. It is called the season of Lent. I don't always participate, but a few years ago, decided to give up a bad habit for Lent instead. I gave up publicly complaining (ranting) on Facebook and other places.
This year I decided to give up my snooze button. It wasn't making me more rested. I decided that I would intentionally set my alarm for a time, then instead of snoozing, I would dedicate that time to actually quieting myself and praying and listening for God's directive for the day.
I missed a couple days due to a terrible stomach virus that made its way through our family, but it really has made a difference.

Making an intentional effort to use your morning, when you're still at home, before you're facing the day's challenges that await outside your closed eyelids, that is where I'm finding God eagerly waiting for me. He's just sitting there with love in His eyes, watching me sleep and dream. When I groggily look into His face, He's beaming.
"Hello, my love. I've been waiting for you. I can't wait to show you what I've got for you today!"

Sometimes, it starts with a breathtaking sunrise. Vibrant colors my cell phone cannot comprehend, but my eyes were designed to behold. Sometimes it's the sound of the many varieties of birds, praising their Creator without a care in the world. They fully trust Him to provide all their needs and delight in His Majesty.
Someday, I'll be in a created world without sin, without cursing. It will be like this world, but so much better. Until then, I'm going to awake intentionally and try to appreciate that if this is already good, then how much better can it get?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6duzVn5M6E
(This video is embedded below, but in case you can't see it, I linked it too.)



³² That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. ³³ The whole town gathered at the door to watch. ³⁴ So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak. ³⁵ Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. ³⁶ Later Simon and the others went out to find him. ³⁷ When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” (Mark 1:32-37)

Jesus stayed up late. He was working. If you've ever prayed for people and watched miracles unfold, you know how exhausted you feel (in a good way) afterward. And yet, before daybreak the next morning, He was out by Himself in a quiet place praying. This is our model and example and goal to strive for. We're "Later", like Simon and the others. Sleeping in because it was a late night.
Some of you are already well disciplined here, so thank you for sharing your wisdom in the comments.

Let us be looking for Him before our day starts. He's full of strength and power and willing to share with us!


:)
~Tammy


P.S. If you don't give me your URL or your linkup number, I can't find your post to thank you and read your blessing of an offering.