I miss my sunrises.

For the better part of the last six years I've had a regular practice of rising very early in the morning to have some quiet, personal, alone time with God. I read my Bible, I write, I pray, I read a book that stimulates my spirit, I take photos of the outrageously cool sunrises that God puts together where I live. Due in part to my schedule, and in part to my laziness, I haven't had an early morning session in many weeks. I've still spent time with God in prayer, scripture, and personal worship, but not in the early hours. Not coincidentally (as far as I'm concerned), I've had a much harder time focusing, staying strong in my vision, discerning the Holy Spirit, and ministering to others. I was asked by a friend this week if he had done something to offend me, because he has perceived that I have been distant, shallow, sarcastic, and overall a bit cranky toward him specifically, and people in general. Ouch.

Believe me, I don't love the thought of recommitting myself to 4:00 and 4:30 morning wake-up calls from my alarm clock, but for me, that's what works. I'm not a morning person - frankly I'm barely a person that early - but God stirs me in a way then that he doesn't at other times of the day. God is worth the effort, even if I have to work a little harder to meet him. He valued me to go to great effort to establish a relationship with me . . . this isn't much compared to that.

That's all