Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

    "Not before I’ve had my coffee, or I’m not human before I have my coffee." Ever heard these statements or maybe you have said them yourself? What is it about getting up in the morning that is so difficult for many people? I’m a morning person but there are just some days that when the alarm goes off and the radio comes on that I just want to stay where I am…in bed and under the covers. However, this is not an option. I’m just not ready for what the day brings or just too tired from the previous day’s activity (or week’s activity). So the first thing that I do is to head to the kitchen and the coffee pot. Anyone identify with this? There is just something about that first cup of coffee. The taste, the smell, and the warmth bring a sense of comfort and well being. Now I am ready to face the day.
    Some time ago, when I was going through a difficult time, I realized that I needed something more than just the coffee to get my day started. I decided that since I am sitting with my coffee why not add God to the start of the day. Now, I gather my cup and bible and head to one of my favorite places (my back deck, my front porch, my kitchen table where I can see outside, or my rocking chair ). I sit, drink my coffee, and spend time with God. What a way to get my day started…coffee and God. The taste and warmth of the coffee helps energize me, but it is my time with God that sustains me throughout the day. I can really tell the difference if my day starts without this quiet time. It seems on the day that I skip my coffee with God  I encounter more challenges. Things just do not go the way that they should.
    Another thing that I realized, as I sat with my coffee and God, was that making time for God must be intentional and it must become a priority. We have busy days but our days must not become so busy that we leave God out of our life altogether. Another thing that I discovered while spending my morning with coffee and God was that I received the rest that my weary soul needed. Taking my problems, concerns, challenges, worries to God helped me to realize that nothing was too big for God to handle. These things did not disappear from my life, but God gave me the strength and endurance to live through them.
    What about you? What gets you started in the morning? Is it that first cup of coffee or maybe a cup of hot tea or cocoa? Maybe you grab a cup and dash out the door heading to work or taking the children to school.  How would you describe the rest of your day? Let me encourage you to get up just a little earlier so that you can have your quiet time. You can sit, relax, and enjoy spending time in the presence of God. Why not give it a try? What have you got to lose (other than a few extra minutes of sleep)? I believe that you will find a difference and be blessed.