This past Friday morning, at precisely 8:02 am I was startled awake by the doorbell. I've never jumped out of bed so fast in my life. Aaron had to leave early for work, so I didn't wake up with him like I usually do. The night before I was exhausted, so I went to bed at 7:30 pm and "set" my alarm before climbing into bed, or did I??? This is the big question. Did I set the alarm? If I did, I must have gotten out of bed to turn it off without knowing it. I'm pretty sure I made a mistake and thought I set the alarm, but actually didn't. Anyways, it took only seconds for me to realize that the little guy I watch everyday was here, and I wasn't even remotely ready to answer the door. I couldn't just not answer the door though, his mommy had to get to work. So I quickly threw on some clothes, smoothed my hair with my fingers, and slapped my cheeks trying to wake up. I answered the door at 8:04 am, and apparently I didn't slap my cheeks hard enough, because Leslie said to me "are you okay Rebekah?" I was so embarrassed to have to tell her that I just woke up to the sound of the doorbell. She was so sweet and understanding, and chalked it up to me being pregnant. Lately we've had much on our minds, and that combined with a precious human being growing inside of me sure wiped me out!
For those who know me, you know I'm not a morning person at all! Aaron can roll out of bed and be perfectly fine, but I need my space in the early morning hours. A few years ago, a woman I respect very much challenged me to rise early in the morning like the portrait of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 did. Ever since she challenged me on this, I've really been working hard at "rising while it is still night." I had been praying that this challenge wouldn't be a chore for me, but rather a blessing. Last year I volunteered my Tuesday mornings at BSF to watch the leaders children during leaders meeting, and then I committed to attend BSF on Wednesdays. I knew what I was committing to was going to be difficult as far as my sleep patterns were concerned, but the Lord really blessed my commitment, and the rising early was not a challenge anymore. I would be up in time to have some quiet time with the Lord, get some household chores done, and still be on time for BSF. I was in such a routine with BSF, that it has just carried over into the Summer, and will continue to carry on into the Fall when I begin BSF again. I may not be as cheerful as I could be in the mornings, but when I rise early, so much more is accomplished throughout the day, and I tend to enjoy the day more.
"She riseth also while it is yet night..." - Proverbs 31:15
Ha ha, Rebekah!! Does staying up until it is late night count?! That's what I do... : ) I get up earlier than usual since I married Kurt...of course my work schedule makes it more conducive for me to sleep a bit later in the morning (I work 11A to 11P--often stay 1/2 to 1 hour late at work, so don't get to bed until 1 AM or so...)... I am glad getting up earlier is working out for you--you will definitely be doing it once the baby's here, anyway--or so I'm told! : )
ReplyDeleteOfcourse with your schedule you will be up late and need to sleep in the morning! :) I didn't have any excuses for staying up so late, especially since I quit working. I was sleeping in far too late, and I still felt tired. Now that I am on more of a schedule, I find that I have more energy. More energy to take care of my home, and my family, and more energy to serve the Lord.
ReplyDeleteHaving children in your house sometimes gives whole new meaning to the phrase "rising while it is still night!" Michael and I both woke up twice last night, two times with Luke and one time with each of the girls. Hopefully, God will give you a good sleeper!
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