One More – Devotion 64

One more time…one more step…one more chance…just once more.  It is difficult to get up and get started on a morning when we would rather stay in bed and sleep.  Some mornings, a beautiful sunrise and birds singing is just not enough to get us going.  Even a really good cup of coffee can fall short in motivating us to begin a new day.  We lag behind and drag ourselves forward.  Our eyes roll at the thoughts of it being a good day.  Is there an escape to the day?  Could we take cover and just wait until tomorrow?  Just five more minutes…just five more – surely this won’t put me so far behind.  And we wait…

It can be difficult to get started some mornings.  It can be challenging to find inspiration in the start of our day.  It may have nothing to do with what awaits.  It is simply the process of getting started.  Some days, we would rather just not.  Just not start.  Just not get going.  Just not.

These beginnings remind us that not every morning is grand and not every start is exciting.  We don’t feel great every time we wake up.  Coffee doesn’t always energize us enough to put a spring in our step.  These are the days when it takes everything we’ve got just to move.  These are the days when we have to accept small steps rather than giant leaps.  These are the days when simply getting started is considered a success.

When we have challenging starts, the key is to not let this define our entire day.  Sure, we would have rather stayed in bed.  Sure, we would have rather avoided the tasks that are before us.  But that doesn’t mean the day is ruined.  It doesn’t mean the day is destined to be terrible.  Just because the start is rough does not mean the outcome will be.  The beginning does not define the end.  There are still successes to be embraced – and our first may be getting out of bed.

Some days, small steps are enough.  Some days, getting started is the major victory.  These days, be kind to yourself.  Be gentle with yourself rather than berating.  Be thankful for the small steps.  Be thankful you did finally get up.  Be grateful that starting is an option.  It might change your day if you just took it one small step at a time.  No judgment necessary.

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 57:7-11

⁷ My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
⁸     Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn.
⁹ I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
¹⁰ For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the clouds.

¹¹ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery