Good Habits Build Us Up and Help Us Through the Day

“Good habits are worth being fanatical about.” 
― John Irving

I need to get my A-game on. Does anyone reading this blog relate? 
Is there something you want to write, build, organize, 
re-purpose, or just want changed?
Maybe I'm alone in this feeling or slump, but I don't think so. 

TRUE CONFESSION of the Christian author and speaker. I've fallen into some bad habits. Habits that effect the rest of my day and life. Instead of getting up at 4:45 a.m. to spend time in the Word, journaling, and in prayer...I'm starting the coffee and "doing". Some days, the doing tires me out. A friend once told me, just because the Bible says, "Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." Psalm 5:3 NLT,  doesn't mean we can only have quiet time with God first thing in the morning. 

It's important to lift our gratitude for each new day, something I try to do before I put my feet on the floor or start the coffee pot. Without much success, I've attempted quiet times during the day, later in the afternoon, or in the evening if the house was quiet yet my head and heart aren't there. It's just a ritual of something I'm "supposed" to do. It's this revelation that reminds me, God doesn't want to me a "to-do-item" on the list. For all He does for us, He deserves more. Some might be able to spend this quiet time at various times of the day, to fit their schedule. But sadly, this girl, is such a creature of habit, I enjoy the time in the morning. 

One thing I've learned, when I pray before closing my eyes, "God, will you wake me in the morning so I can spend time with you?" He is always faithful to wake me, usually well before the alarm, and I don't hit the snooze because I wake feeling rested. It might just be the way I'm wired. I'm a morning person, so to start my day reading my Bible, talking with God (aka - praying), listening to God, and even journaling a few of the things I'm thankful for, the things I praise God for, and then a few prayer requests...sets the tone for the remainder of my day. 

Why do I share this honest and embarrassing fact? To show how very human, imperfect, and weak I can be in my own strength. Another reason to share this with you all, because I know my nature. While I've confessed this weakness to God and asked for forgiveness, I think to share with all of you is like have accountability partners. Think about it. When we attempt to start eating healthy, exercising, or lose weight...we ALWAYS do better when someone comes along side us and joins us. You can pray for, encourage, and gently remind (in love)...to keep moving forward with the end reward in sight.

While the reward of spending time with God can't be measured on a scale or with our fitness app, it will be visible through the actions, words, and thoughts we exhibit to those we interact with. Isn't it worth it, time with God will not give you a trophy for your shelf but IT WILL prepare your heart for the day and your soul for eternity. So why am I not getting up in the morning? Why can't I get over the uncomfortableness of quiet time in the afternoon? I don't know the answer to these questions but I do know as the availability to sit on the deck increases, my desire to spend time with Him increases.

So am I alone in this struggle?

When is your favorite quiet time?
Are you a creature of habit like me?
Will you share below?