Thursday, August 7

soaking up silence

In the early morning, I am sometimes able to sit, read, and enjoy a little silence. I wonder if I can stock up? I'm pretty sure my life is about to take a much more noisy course!

I have never been what anyone would call a "cheerful morning person" but as I grow older I have at least begun to recognize the value of rising early. There is something so peaceful about waking up to a quiet house in the cool of the morning.

Collecting my thoughts and centering my focus on the Lord is so much easier in the silence. Deciding on a plan of action for the day is much less of a daunting task when I am not distracted by the noisy play of a delightfully busy toddler or the swush-swush of a running dishwasher. Bottom line is, I'm getting more done on the days I wake up early.

Especially lately, I've been staying in bed a little longer to try to stock up on those precious minutes of sleep. But most days, I end up wishing I'd fought the exhaustion and just gotten up. It's better to get up, get dressed, and soak in the moments of silence before the rush of the day overwhelms my senses.

Is silent time alone important to your day? When do you make time to be still? I'm especially interested to hear!

Don't forget to leave a comment on this post - just two more days!!

9 comments:

HeatherK said...

I just started doing Whey Protein shakes for extra protein so I came back to your shake post to read the comments. Did you ever find one that you like?
I'm using Designer Whey right now which I got at Meijer. I drink it plain in a soymilk shake and the taste is okay, not like a milkshake like Carnation Instant Breakfast (which I avoid because it's SO sugary!. It would probably be really good blended with some yogurt and berries. It's $10 for 13 servings, and you only have to mix it with 3 ounces of water so I bet you can fit the whole thing in your shrinking tum. Good luck!

Mary Ann said...

You're very right about needing quiet time. I get the best rest from noise when I'm running or biking. I had an excellent quiet time/prayer time this morning as I biked to work.

Rachel said...

I used to get up early but lately, I've needed the extra sleep. I usually wait until I hear Michael before rising:). Now that both of the boys nap at appx. the same time, I am able to get some quiet time in. They also are going to bed at about the same time which gives me a bit of time to clean up, talk with my hubby and unwind.

One of these days, I'll get up early again. It's just difficult to do when I know that I need the extra sleep. :)

Jenny said...

Rachel, I hear you! You definitely DO need the extra sleep. I'm sure not much early rising will happen around here in another month or so! :-)

Carrie said...

I have my quiet time in the afternoon when I put both boys down for their naps at the same time. :)

cranny + b said...

I too enjoy getting up early and reading. . .and I hear it's a really great boost to start off with reading AND Bolthouse Farms' "green goodness". ;) lol!

I am definitely up for trying this! Anything would taste better than Dr. Oz's stuff, I think!!! ;)

Unknown said...

I'm with you all the way! The early morning is the best time for me to exercise and have my quiet time with God. The key for me is getting to bed early enough. then I don't have any excuses. Also helps that Clive wakes at 5 or 5:30 most days. If God gives me self-control (as He did today - praise Him!) then I stay up after Clive goes back down and I get a good 1-2 hours of quiet before anyone wakes. Precious!

And I don't think you should pressure yourself to get up early during the first 6 mos. of a new baby's life. Sleep is vital whenever you can get it in the beginning weeks!

Richelle Wright said...

I like mornings - but hubby likes nights - and we usually try to end our days together, so I normally get some quiet time in after the kiddos are all in bed, and then it gives me something to pray, think and meditate on after the call to prayer in the early morning hours, without having to drag myself out of bed.

...or at least that is my current strategy, which is always likely to change depending on life circumstances...

Shelldell said...

I also find the value in getting up early in the morning my favorite times are in silence. I love it so much and grave it more as I get older. It truly is golden.
I love looking out my window and seeing what God is doing this day in the creation around me. It truly is new every morning.