Fridays – as often as I am able – are for Five Minute Friday. Or FMF:) It is a weekly link-up hosted by Kate Motaung and not only has a wonderful community but is also a wonderful writing exercise. A prompt is given each Friday morning and, as Kate describes it, the idea is to “write for five minutes on the word of the week. This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write.” To be sure, I struggle with the lack of over-thinking (one of my greatest strengths!) and the overlooking of grammar (see my sidebar) but the “free writing” really is a good challenge. I look forward to this link-up…and so, without further ado, this week’s prompt is SUNRISE.
GO – Without a doubt, I am a morning person. I love mornings. I have the most energy, feel the most creative, and, for certain, accomplish the most in the morning. It is my happy time of the day. If I’m honest, most days I would love to dive right into my agenda for the day. I am (usually) eager to get the daily chores started (and finished) so I can enjoy the tasks, hobbies or other activities I have planned while I can enjoy them the most. Again, being honest, it would be easy for me to plan my quiet time – a prepared time of Bible reading, study/journaling and prayer – for later in the day. When my day (or rather, my agenda) is, well, quiet.
However, I believe time alone with the Lord is needed – and most helpful – in the morning. Before the busyness. Before I begin in my own strength. Humbling myself and submitting my plans to Him. Seeking (and finding) encouragement, wisdom, strength, joy, and confidence to whatever a day might hold. Jesus, himself, did this.
Mark 1:35 “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
The exact time is not the principle here. At sunrise…before sunrise…or at a particular hour every single morning is not the point. I’ll admit, these winter mornings, which take longer to be filled with sunlight, can be challenging for me. Even as a morning lover, the dark mornings can it harder to push the covers back. However, making that time alone with the Savior a priority is the important thing. The necessary thing. The best thing.
STOP – If you do not already have a devotional time…a quiet time…I would encourage you to create that time. To prepare and plan for it each morning. Prepare the night before to ensure it will happen, and then have a plan. Use a Bible reading schedule or perhaps a daily devotional – and one that will direct you to a Bible passage as well. Ask God to keep the distractions away. He longs to meet with you too!! You will be blessed…of that I am confident!
The rest of the link-up can be found here. Happy Friday, friends!
A good reminder that it’s so important to start a day with God, not just fit Him in. Thank you! Visiting from FMF#30
Thanks, Susan. And glad you stopped by the blog today!
The grammar, oh the grammar! Haha – I feel your pain. But I prefer an honest, imperfect post on Fridays to the well manicured posts that clearly took multiple five minute sessions. Life lesson there? Hmm… I’ve got to think about that.
Amie, FMF #23
Good grammar fans unite!!:)
Mornings are my favorite time as well! Loved the encouragement about a morning devotion, it truly sets the tone for the day. Enjoyed your post, thanks for sharing!
Joyce, so glad you stopped by..and took the time to comment! So nice to meet you:)
Love these Five Minute Friday posts – great encouragement for morning quiet times!
It is so good to take some time to focus on God before rushing into the busyness of the day!
Indeed it is, Lesley! Thanks for your comment today!!
I’m my best in the morning as well. I love my quiet time in the morning. 🙂 The “just write” challenge is so fun. I honestly love to time myself and just type and type until the timer goes off. I think it is a fun challenge.
I really do enjoy the challenge! Glad you stopped by!!
Jennifer, this is beautiful. I love your reflections and encouraging words. Blessings.
Visit from FMF#5
Thanks so much, Paula. And so glad you stopped by!!
I am a morning person, as well! I love waking up during the five o’clock hour and having extra time to read blogs and scroll emails and FB (just for a few minutes) while my coffee wakes me up. From there I go into the kitchen for my quiet time to do the same that you do, then I make lunches and get the “real” start on all the things in my day. I’m so glad you’re back…I already said that, but I love your blog posts. 🙂 Have a wonderful Monday, my friend.
Thanks, Jennifer! Hope your Monday – and your week – is wonderful as well!! (High fives for all the morning girls!!)
How I would love to take part in the FMF group! It sounds perfect. Like you, I used to do all my to-do’s first thing. Until I became addicted to spending that “first” time with God each morning. Sometimes the Lord interrupts “our” time with a flood of writing inspiration. So, those times I take a pause…but only for that day. His writing through me is His, timing and all! A wonderful post, Jennifer. 🙂
I hope you will try the FMF – maybe even tomorrow!!:)