When I was young, I used to believe there was only one 4 o'clock and that was the one that came after school. No one was awake at the other one. Why should I even care that it existed? The whole world was sleeping.
Fast forward to today. Living in the musician world, I often see early morning from the other side-- like we had a wedding or some far-away gig and played until late then returned home early in the morning. Those days/nights are fun on occasion, but that's not what I'm talking about.
What I love most is getting up when everyone else in the house is lost in the rhythm of their breathing, when the new mercies of the Lord are the freshest. On these days, when I don't mindlessly massage that snooze, I can get more done before 8AM than some people will do all day.
So this morning I want to reflect on the beauties of the early EARLY morning hours and why I love them so much.
1. QUIET... ahh.
The quiet is so rare and wonderful. One can read, think, write, pray, all the things that can't be done when little ones are up asking for food or to turn on the TV. In the precious minutes just before sunrise, no one is asking if remembered to pay a bill and no one is telling me how their friend was mean to them. Now don't get me wrong... I LOVE talking to my family and spending time with them, but sometimes I need some time with my own thoughts and to hear God speak to me in that still small voice. I can't always hear what He is saying in the hubbub of responsibility and scheduling. I need this time and believe it is essential for well-being, for creativity, and for inspiration.
2. The morning is COOL, both figuratively and LITERALLY.
Around here in the summer, it gets HOT, sweat-your-clothes-down-to-soaking-wet, humid hot! And I guess I'm a little bit soft and a little too in love with my AC, but I don't want to get out and do too much in the 90 degree and more heat unless there is a pool involved. So the morning, when the sun hasn't warmed up the oven of East Texas quite yet, is just right for getting some more strenuous activities done.
3. Workout done!
I cannot even describe the feeling of knowing that I have already worked out before I head off to work or whatever my daily responsibility may be. First a workout wakes me up. Who needs coffee? My Texas Fit Chicks instructor has a class in the early morning that is so inspiring. To get up and work out with some awesome ladies who also got up to work out just fires me up. And at 5 in the morning it's serious business, so I feel super focused. Another morning workout option I like is BeachBody on Demand. This is a relatively new discovery of mine. I have purchased several of their programs over the years but with this internet subscription, I have access to try all of them. I love the freedom to try all those infomercial workouts with just a click. So I log on, choose a workout, and in 30 to 45 minutes, I am all sweaty and done. Or I may work out by running on my...#4.
4. Red Dirt Trail
Getting out on my trail in the early morning, just after the sunrise means I get to see the earth afresh, just as it wakes up. What a beautiful thing to feel the morning breeze, hear the birds and bugs, and anticipate the sun as it gently kisses away the dew. These morning moments truly remind me of the beauty that lives at the Hand of our Creator. Being out with nature in the cool of the morning inspires me in so many ways.
5. The feeling of ACCOMPLISHMENT
When I get on up, I am always amazed at how much I can get done. I will look back and realize I've done dishes and laundry and cleaning. I might blog, work on our business website, or stream encouraging videos from websites like danijohnson.com. I may even do my lesson plans or online training. It's amazing how much more focus I have in the quiet when I just get up.
It's 7 a.m. and I've already conquered several things today.
I hope the rest of the day is just as productive for me and for you too! Grace to you from the Red Dirt!
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