So I’m going to flat out admit it – I’m not a morning person.
I never have been.
Because of this, I usually have bad morning after bad morning after bad morning.
No different than usual, this morning my morning was bad.
I overslept, chose to do my hair in a quick sock bun that took 45 minutes and resulted in tired shoulders and an unhappy attitude. I didn’t like my outfit and was upset that I wasn’t going to get to the office as early as I had planned to.
I knew leaving when I did was going to cause me to sit in traffic, which made my attitude even worse.
But as soon as I started driving, God calmed my spirits as He showed me that He is in control. In front of me was the most beautiful sky, right after sunrise – a pink and orange painting that He placed perfectly in the sky to bless all the early birds.
As always, I was listening to KLove – my favorite radio station. Of course, like He always does, God sent me a message. One of the topics that was highlighted this morning was “How to Have Happy Mornings.”
I laughed out loud and turned up the volume because I knew this was for me.
- Don’t check your phone when you wake up.
Oh okay God, thanks for reminding me. What good does checking my phone immediately after waking up do for me? There aren’t any texts, emails, instagram photos or facebook statuses that are so important that they can’t wait until I’ve had my time. Don’t let anyone else ruin your day before it’s even started. Let God in before anyone else.
- Listen to music.
I hear you Jesus. I always listen to music, except this morning I didn’t because I wasn’t in the mood to turn it on. Instead, I chose to listen to myself complain about how long it was taking me to do my hair and get going. Jesus wants me to praise Him at the beginning of my day.
- Make your bed.
Start your day respecting yourself and your room – the way that God respects you. What a quick and simple “pick-me-up” to start my day: to remind me of the comfortable bed that I take for granted so many times. There are millions of people who only imagine making their bed every morning. Be thankful for what you have.
- Put on real clothes.
Luckily for me, I have to put on real clothes. But it’s an important reminder for days off and weekends when I choose to lay around the house to get dressed. Getting dressed will make you happier, more energetic and appreciative of what you have.
And for my every day, this reminded me to stop getting upset if the shirt I wanted to wear is dirty and to stop feeling like I don’t have enough clothes. God’s showered me with more than enough. Look in the mirror and thank Him.
We can choose to do each of these simple things every morning – allowing God to be a part of each one and in turn, have a happier and more productive morning.
After hearing these things on the radio, and listening to what God had to say to me, I realized that He is preparing me for The World Race – when checking my phone when I wake up won’t be an option. Waiting for text messages won’t be an issue. Picking out an outfit and worrying how my hair looks will be useless. And making my bed will consist of rolling up my sleeping bag.
Focus on me, Racquel. Remember what I have planned for you.
And just like that, my morning turned around.
Thank you, Jesus. For your guidance, your provision, and the constant reminders that YOU are who gives me happy mornings.
Sometimes, I don’t realize how much the “little things” in life matter. I’m so focused on the ‘right now’ scale of things and missing out on the big things that God is preparing me for.
Please pray that my eyes will be open to these little things that I overlook in life so often – that I see what God is doing in me each day so I can fulfill the purpose He has for me.
Thank you for following my World Race Journey ><>
