Confession of an Idol Worshipper

Next to temperance, a quiet conscience, a cheerful mind and active habits, I place early rising as a means of health and happiness.

- Timothy Flint

I remember telling a mentor of mine in college that I often felt like my biggest struggle of the day was getting out of bed.  I would love to say that over the last several years this is a habit that I have since left behind, but, honestly, it is still something I would consider to be the biggest struggle of my day.  I used to say that I was a night person to excuse my tendency to sleep in late.  And, while there have been periods in my life when I have had to get up early (either for a job or a class), my schedule for the most part has permitted me to sleep in late.  While I have known the benefits of being an early riser for quite a while it hasn't been until recently that I have been convicted about it.  It is so easy for me to set my alarm for an early hour the night before and fall asleep with the best intentions of actually springing out of bed in the morning, ready to tackle the day!  So, of course, by 8:00 a.m the next morning I've already had my coffee, done my Bible study, gotten a work out in, eaten breakfast, and am dressed for the day.  Um... reality check:  I'm usually still in bed at 9:30, sometimes 10:00 a.m.  (Eek... I know I just totally ratted myself out there.)  But it's true.  My tendency to make sleep and idleness an idol in my life is something the Lord has really been showing me lately.  There are a few Scripture verses He has brought me to lately that really speak to this area of sin in my life.  One of them is Proverbs 31:15  , "She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens".  My friend N pointed this out to me when I was telling her about my habit of sleeping in.  This is King Lemuel's mother describing to him the character of the kind of wife he should seek after.  This woman rises early and is diligent in her work and with her time.  I saw in this passage of Scripture how rising early allows us to get a good start on the day.  When I sleep in late, by the time I get up I often end up feeling like I don't have time to spend with the Lord that day (a form of pride that says "I got this day without you God.  I think I'm strong enough to handle it on my own, thanks.  I'll let you know when I need you"). I value sleep and laziness more than I value Christ.  I also end up feeling like half my day is gone and often times accomplish very little.  Most importantly, I'm not giving myself to the Lord to be used to the fullest.  So, I've been asking the Lord for discipline in that area of my life.  I've decided that a good starting point for me is to set my alarm for 7:30 a.m. and, no matter what time I go to bed the night before, to consistently get up at that time every single day.  Today was day one of forming the healthy habit of rising early and I have noticed a huge difference already.  I've been able to accomplish more and feel more energized.  Here's what my day has looked like so far:

7:30 a.m. - woke up/got out of bed

7:30 - 8:00 a.m - made coffee and ate breakfast

8:00 - 9:00 - Bible study and prayer

9:15-9:45 - worked out at the gym

10:00-10:30 - showered and got dressed for the day

10:30-11:00 - checked and answered emails

11:00-11:45 - wrote new blog post

12:00-1:00 p.m - prepared for afternoon tutoring session

I feel blessed to have such a flexible and open schedule right now and know it won't always be this way.  I am thankful for this time the Lord has given to prune me and grow me in many things, but especially with regards to rising early and being useful with my time.  One last Scripture verse that has spoken truth into my life repeatedly and can be applied to what the Lord is teaching me now is Hebrews 12:11 which says, "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it".  I love the wording of that verse.  Discipline, whether it is studying the Word, training for a competition, or waking up a few hours earlier, is not always fun and can be hard at the time but we reap the benefits of it as we go.  And, as believers, we are more equipped and spiritually mature to take part in God's kingdom work.