Mornings are a fresh start. The sun rises with the excitement of the day ahead.
And every one has a different morning routine. Maybe yours includes reading the daily paper and going for a run. Perhaps you catch up on emails, watch the news or walk your dog. Or maybe you cook bacon and eggs after hitting the gym.
While differing from person to person, these routines all share one common truth… they help us prepare for the day ahead.
Mental Morning Preparation
The period of time from waking up to walking out your door is sacred. This is the optimal time to prepare ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually before the busyness of our schedules set in.
It’s easy to say, “I’ll get to that later,” or “I can think about that when I get to work,” but let’s be completely honest and say… it’s easier said than done. In today’s world of constant communication, we’re doing good to get through breakfast without a distraction, let alone our work day.
It is best to use our time wisely in the morning in order to feel equipped to tackle the day ahead of us.
3 Questions to Ask Yourself Every Morning
- How Can I Give God Glory Today? Let’s make the main thing the main thing. This question has to do with our purpose. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” As Christian business leaders, our purpose in life is to glorify God and make disciples. We are called to live like Christ, to be a light in this dark world. Let’s be sure that we’re not taking the Lord’s calling on our lives lightly. Think about how radically different our days would look if we asked ourselves this question every day? How would our schedules change? Our perspectives? Our attitudes?
- In What Way Can I Bless Others? God wants us to be joyful servants for His Kingdom. Ask yourself how you can be a blessing to someone around you today. It’s not about getting the perfect answer/plan instantly, but rather asking the question and allowing that mindset to sink in so that you take the opportunities you’re presented with to serve those around you. Jesus said in John 13, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
- What Do I Need to Accomplish? Each day is a gift from God. As you look at yours, in order to be a good steward of your time, ask yourself what you need to accomplish today. This will allow you to focus your mind on the task(s) at hand. As we know, distractions are inevitable, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. So, increase your productivity by writing down what you need to achieve by the end of the day and using your time to work toward checking those items off your list.
You will find that your days go more smoothly when you use your time in the morning to prepare.
How do you use your mornings to get ready for your work day?
Thank you for this! I was blessed when I read your #1 – “How can I give God glory today?”
As a busy business-owner and full time mom I have often felt disappointed that I cannot spend more time serving or “changing the world.” But some time back I realized that the number one thing God called us to do is to worship Him, and this is something I can do at any moment of any day, no matter how busy I am. So I started to let go off my “serving guilt” and just spend more time “giving God glory” throughout the day.
It’s so refreshing to hear someone else put emphasis on it as a priority. I am encouraged! And the Lord is lifted up. Thank you!
Shannon,
I am so glad that this blog encouraged you. I have definitely been in your shoes and you’re absolutely right–we can worship Him and spend time with Him at any moment.
Glad to hear that you’re letting go of your guilt and embracing the beautiful truth that we have access to God and opportunities to bring Him glory all day long.
Bless you!