Being Diligent in the Mornings

February 16, 2009

In our home Jeff is an early bird, a SERIOUS early bird! The rest of us, well…we’re not! )

My goal is to have everyone up and moving by 7-7:30. During the summer it is usually earlier because the work needs to be done before it gets too hot. I am thankful that my sweet husband  also has the gift of mercy and does not demand we rise super-early too; but we do try to get up and moving at a decent hour.

A few things that have helped us in the morning hours:

~Self-discipline of going to bed at a reasonable hour. This is probably the hardest thing for me to do. We also have one (child) that will lay awake and read until the wee morning hours; which makes mornings hard. So we are constantly working on this area of diligence.

~If mornings are hard try to do a few things the night before to avoid the dread of rising, such as:  

    Have the coffee already made. 

    If possible, do a quick tidy up before going to bed.

~Pray before your feet hit the floor. Ask for wisdom and patience for the day.

~Parents rise before the kids.  Spend 20-30 minutes (or even 5-10 minutes) reading the Bible or a devotional. This always helps to give perspective on your day.

~Assign a different child each day to be responsible for breakfast. This may take some planning ahead, but it will help.

~Play uplifting classical or hymns on the stereo. (I like to have hymns going)

~Throw a load of laundry in the washer as soon as you get up, this way you are jump starting your day while you are still waking up.

~Be sure to at least say good morning and a smile, even a fake smile, first thing to each child; it helps if parents are up before the kiddos.

~Get dressed. I have to admit, I LOVE my pajamas, especially if it is cold out; but there is something about getting dressed, with shoes on that just helps get the momentum rolling! I am so much more productive if I am dressed early!

~Avoid phone and computer time while the children are doing their morning routine. If they know you are distracted, they are more likely to slack off. YOU be diligent in making sure everyone else is diligent!

Awake up, my glory;

awake, psaltery and harp:

I myself will awake early.

Psalm 57:8

Topics: Diligence | 2 Comments »