5:16 Club -- Day 21, Tired from a Blessing

I must confess. I am tired this morning, more so than yesterday. But that's because my husband and I experienced an unexpected treat on our usual date night. We ran into friends in the office supply store (yes, a truly romantic date night spent running errands), who thought it fitting to detour us over to the Cheesecake Factory instead . We a treat, and real blessing from the Lord last night, even though it meant missing my early-to-bed-so-that-I-can-rise-early goal. It was worth!

The reality is, I've been tired most of my life. Maybe because I'm just lazy and the thought of work makes me tired. Maybe because I think too much and my mind going a thousand miles an hour wears me down. Maybe because I'm high strung and never really relax. My husband told me that I don't even loosen up when I sleep. He came to bed two nights ago, thinking I was sound asleep, and I nearly hit the roof when he moved his pillow to snuggle in close. He laughed out loud thinking, "She doesn't even loosen up when she's asleep!" What a hoot! Maybe that's why I am often so tired. Of course, mothering and ministry, homekeeping and pursuing my interests all keep the plate full and add to the tiredness factor.

This 5 whatever journey is stretching me and challenging me to figure out how to balance life and all the good things the Lord has provided. The fact is tiredness something most of us are fighting on a normal day, even when we don't wake up early. To be honest, I am no more tired in these last 21 days of early rising than I was month ago. Yes, I've had to change my lifestyle with determinedly earlier bed times a few nights a week combined with rising a bit later than 5:16 am on the mornings following a late night. But that is okay. It is the big picture that seems to be working out quite well. Even getting 25 minutes with the Lord in the morning while everyone is still sleep has proven valuable time!

Think about it girlfriends. See how you can adjust your life and make time for the Lord in the beginning of the day. His Word is so rich. His presence so comforting. Really, it is worth it.

Let me leave you with this Word, coming from one of my favorite Psalms that I read this morning,

Psalm 121:1-2, 8

I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Make of Heaven and earth.

...the Lord will watch over you coming and going both now and forevermore.

Jesus, please bless my friends today. Pour out your love on them, your mercy on them, your grace on them. Father, may they see your work and join you in it. May they be inspired to spend time with you today! May I see your work, and gladly serve alongside you. Thank you for setting your plan in action before the beginning of time. Transform us, Lord, into the women you created us to be! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Because of Him,