Processing

Mornings are the longest part of my day. I am not a morning person…not even remotely a morning person! In fact, it’s best not to have an in-depth conversation with me prior to 9 a.m. because I won’t be able to contribute words intelligibly. My morning responses are limited to one syllable words or shrugs, at least until the coffee starts to kick in.

There’s a general understanding in my house that I can’t function well as soon as I wake up. However on those days that I have to hit the ground running, there’s a blanket of grace for me and I’m grateful for it! Most days, I have to push through the brain fog and try to make those first few hours productive. Today, my ten year old walked past me a few times as I sat at the dining room table, coffee in hand, staring at the wall like a weirdo. She must have given up that I would ask why she kept coming through the dining room, so she sweetly hugged me and said “breakfast.” I have to say that I attend to my children’s needs and wants. I had fully intended to get started on breakfast within five minutes of her pulling me into reality. She would not have missed cinnamon rolls! Trust me.

I explained to her that I have to “process” just like a computer every morning. I often make a to-do list while I drink my coffee. I need a game plan for the day. I process what things will get my “yes” and what will get a “no.” I pray and ask for direction. I process. I may look like a zombie but it’s actually a healthy habit for me to get my ducks in a row, think about the day ahead and gear up mentally.

Does it ever go as planned? Sometimes…but the important thing for me is that I’ve gone before the Lord in prayer. I’ve included Him in my game plan and I feel better equipped for what usually turns out to be a beautifully, crazy day. I feel secure and confident as I am processing Heaven’s strategies and my thoughts are being aligned with His. God’s mercies are new every morning and that is certainly true for me! I receive a new measure of strength and grace everyday. Lord knows that most days I need that greater measure of both!

Let me encourage you today that processing is crucial. Take some time to think the day through. To-do lists are not an indication of micromanagement and being still (which sometimes looks like “lights are on but no one is home”) is HEALTHY for your mind and your heart! God is all about intentionality. So be intentional in how your day needs to look. I have the obvious list of everyday tasks that will always be there, but I invite God to interrupt my thoughts and throw in what He would like to accomplish too. This is how I measure what productivity looks like. At the end of the day, check marks next to my mile-long list makes me ever so happy but knowing I included God in it brings a lot of peace to my heart. So spend some time processing. Plan your day…or if you’re a Type A personality…plan your year! But invite God to coffee time too. Your plan is great. His plan is beautiful.

Hey girls! Remember you are uniquely made on purpose, for a purpose and for such a time as this. Until next week…