4 minute read
By Bethany Rees

~This blog post first appeared as a guest writer post on the Uncommon Normal Gratitude Series blog, found here.~

There’s nothing I love more than sitting on my porch while having my early morning coffee. I call this whole experience my “"slow start"”...and it’s completely changed my life. 

No matter what time of the day I have to be somewhere or do something, I usually just adjust my alarm to make time for my “"slow start"” morning. 

Even my family knows how important my “"slow start"” mornings are to me. My 13 year old daughter made me a list of fun things to do on my birthday this year and “"slow start"” was number one. 

Like you, and probably everyone you know, the majority of my days are full of busyness. Rushing here or there. Doing this task or that chore. Meeting this deadline and that one. Pouring out into this person or that person.

But my mornings…Oh, how my mornings are just for me. 

Well me and God. 

In my twenties and most of my thirties I used to rush my time with God like I rushed everything else in my life. Life to me used to be a list of boxes to check, and the game was to see how fast I could check them off. 

Don’t get me wrong, I still accomplish a lot (maybe even more) in my forties, but the framework for how I work is all different now. 

Instead of letting the anxiety and stress of the dreaded checkbox To-Do list get me, I’ve learned to deafen its siren’s call. 

These days my heart, mind, and ears start with gratitude before the Lord. 

Each "slow start" morning, before I get out of bed I thank God for the rest He gave in the comfortable house He provided. Then I slow-walk to the coffee pot letting God know of my appreciation for the smells, tastes, and feels of the magical black liquid. And finally, my dog Lucius and I make it to the rocking chair on our small front porch. 

Rocking back and forth, sipping the delicious fruit of the coffee plant, my sleepy eyes begin to open wider and wider. I see my outdoor porch curtains blowing, and I feel gratitude for how I feel God working even though I can’t always see Him.  As I watch my dog sit at my feet, I hear the buzzing hummingbirds coming to my feeder, and I feel gratitude for God’s creation of various beasts. 

As I play soft worship music, my soul awakens to the magnificence of who God is and what Jesus has done for me. As I see the light of day fade from black to pinks, oranges, and blues, I feel gratitude for another day to do what God has called me to do.

I’ve come to realize that it’s hard to build a relationship with someone, especially God, if I treat Him/them like a To-Do list and move on to the next box. 

Through my “"slow start"” porch, coffee, and gratitude-filled mornings, God has started to turn my heart and open my eyes like I’ve never experienced. I see things that I never took the time to notice before. I have thoughts that allow me to go deeper into my identity and purpose. And, I have more joy and peace throughout the chaotic days. 

Yes, God has really slowed me down and helped me to get out of the “rat race” of life. 

But what I’ve found equally fascinating with my “"slow start" mornings of gratitude is that my To-Do lists still get done, but with less stress and more efficiency. And for that I’m also…you guessed it…very grateful. 

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. "Slow Start" Your Day With God & Gratitude.

Rocks before Sand!

Scripture: 

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

~Colossians 3:17

Theme Song: 

Gratitude by Brandon Lake

References Used:

• The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.