Today, the neighbors and I discuss how the first ten minutes of the day set the tone for the whole day.
“It’s so true!” we all agree. If we wake up and snuggle children, sip hot coffee, and enjoy the view from the bedroom window, the day unfolds differently–and better–than mornings started with a jolt and a scowl.
Some neighbors snuggle. Some sing. Some pray. Some begin a gratitude list. I pet a cat and listen to that gratifying purr. I welcome the little ones into a new morning: “Hello! You’re awake! Welcome to this beautiful day!” (OK, that’s only on my very best mornings.)
Maybe it’s true about the first ten minutes of every beginning: phone conversations, classes, projects, dinner, bedtime routines, soccer games. What if I began well and strong within the first ten minutes of each new thing? Perhaps, with that great momentum, I’d find myself carried into joy simply because I began well.
I want to wake up well tomorrow. The first ten minutes might just shape the whole day.
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Do you agree? Do you have tips for the first ten minutes of the morning?
0 Responses
Heather, I found your post timely after rediscovering a quote just this morning by C. S. Lewis. (I apologize that I can't find the specific publication for it.)
I know, for me, spending my first morning moments in God's Word and prayer has changed my life, ever since it became the most joyful habit I've ever established. Getting God's perspective early on transforms my day, especially as I take time to listen to Him.
Here's the quote:
The real
problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it.
It comes the
very moment you wake up each morning.
All your
wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals.
And the first
job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back, in listening to that
other voice, taking that other point of view…
Letting that
other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.
And so on, all
day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings.
Coming in out of the wind.” ~C.S. Lewis
I think this is true, although I may debate about what constitutes the “first” 10 minutes of the day. I'm pretty slow to wake up, so my first 10 minutes awake are usually spent burying my face in my pillow pretending to be asleep. 🙂
However, it is very true that the days where I am rushing to get to work, walking into an emergency the moment I come in the office, etc. definitely feel much more hectic and overwhelming than the days where things start out smoothly.
I just love that quote! I love the idea that these thoughts rush like wild animals and we can push them back and listen to God's voice. Thank you for sending this!!!
I agree! My actually first ten minutes involve pretending to be asleep :).