I’ve noticed over the years that some of my readers get pretty bent out of shape at my suggestion to wake up early in the morning. And while I still believe that early mornings offer the best time for moms to get in their Bible time and get a jump start on the day, I realize and understand that waking up early isn’t an option for everyone.
That’s okay!
Really, it’s just a suggestion. In fact, aside from any Scripture quotes on this blog – everything I write is a just suggestion. Most of the time I’m simply sharing what has worked for me.
For years waking up early, before the rest of the my family, usually around six o’clock {sometimes earlier} was what I did. I had a house full of young kids who were homeschooling and at the time I had more than a full plate of responsibilities. Waking up early was the only way I could get everything done!
On days when we are home in the mornings, I generally wake up around 7 o’clock in the morning. But there’s at least one day of the week when I’m up by 3:30 in the morning and loading everyone in the car for ice skating.
I’m still busy, but my plate is not nearly as full as it used to be. I’m only homeschooling two kids now. The other three have moved on to college or gotten married. We have things like ice skating, gymnastics, and karate that keep us busy and our schedule often means that we don’t get to bed until late. So I wake up a little later. I wake my girls up a little later.
Related: Start Your Morning Off Right
They’re older now and it’s not the same as having little ones. They require less one on one care {they can dress themselves and even cook meals} although I’m a hands-on mama and spend a great part of each day doing things with them.
Motherhood is full of seasons. Life changes. Schedules change. Routines change. Bedtimes and wake up times change.
What really matters is that your morning routine works for your family and that you’re able to do what you need to get done each day.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
I’ve written about this before, but I wanted to share with you again. If you aren’t able to wake up before your family to have your devotions, it’s perfectly okay to read your Bible and pray while you’re children eat breakfast or play at your feet – or whatever you want them to do! If they interrupt your devotion time, that’s okay, too! In fact, it’s wonderful for your kids to see you reading your Bible and praying. You might even want to ask them to join you.
Related: Mama Needs Sleep
Jesus loves spending time with you – any time of the day! The thing about having your devotions in the morning is that it’s so easy for other tasks to get in the way of your devotion time if you wait til later in the day. However, that doesn’t mean you have to have your devotions in the early morning. What’s really important is not what time you pray or study but that you find time to stay connected with your Lord and Savior!
Creating a Morning Routine that Works for YOU
If you’ve struggled with finding time to have a daily devotion, it’s time to make some new plans. To figure out what your morning routine would ideally look like, make a list of the things you’d like to accomplish. Then, make an approximate note of how long each activity will probably take you to complete. For example:
- morning devotion {30 – 45 minutes}
- start a load of laundry {5 minutes}
- morning walk {30 minutes}
- shower and get dressed {30 minutes}
- cook breakfast {20 minutes}
- eat breakfast with the family {20 minutes}
- family worship around the breakfast table {15 minutes}
- tidy kitchen after breakfast {15 minutes}
Factor in probably interruptions. Give your morning routine grace for the unexpected. And then decide what time you’d like to wake up in the morning. Decide which activities you can or are willing to do with your children present. And then make a schedule.
Related: 10 Morning Hacks to Simplify Your Routine
Schedules or routines are not your master. Just because you think it’d be nice to have two quiet hours to yourself in the morning doesn’t mean your day is ruined if that’s not the way it works out. Life – especially with kids – can be chaotic at times. That’s okay!
His GRACE is sufficient enough for you and me!
James and Hannah’s Wedding
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