I am not a morning person. I used to be a night owl. But age, kids, and work schedules have changed that for me. Now, you might say I’m strictly an afternoon person.
So when my friend Diane suggested a “ladies bike ride” at 7 am on a Saturday morning – at the shore – an hour away, I was secretly ambivalent. The fellowship sounded awesome, but the early morning hour, well let’s just say, I’m not a morning person. Despite my reservations, I agreed to go. And because I had a bike rack, I was committed.
The night before the ride, I had terrible trouble sleeping. When I finally fell asleep at 4 am, I dreamt that one of the girls cancelled the bike ride. Waves of relief flooded my subconscious REM sleep. When the alarm went off in the predawn darkness, my disappointment was palpable. You mean it was only a dream??? With great reluctance, I lethargically rose, got ready, and headed out. If it wasn’t for that darn bike rack commitment, I think I would have backed out. Have I mentioned that I am just not a morning person? Oy!
Six of us met at the rendezvous point, loaded up our bikes, and headed down the highway. Little by little, my morning brain fog began to dissolve.
We set out on our bikes heading north. A spectacularly glorious day. With the ocean to our right, the bay to our left, the refreshing wind in our faces, and nonstop laughter abounding.
And I thought – I might have missed it all.
It’s not just the morning hour. I almost let my feelings dictate my actions. It sure wouldn’t have been the first time that happened. So often, I don’t feel like reading the Word OR making that phone call OR going to the homeless ministry OR preparing a Bible lesson OR writing that encouraging card OR going on that health walk OR a host of other things that turn out to be amazing blessings when I do follow through.
And yet I justify my actions – or lack thereof –
– But I’m just not a morning person.
– But I’m just not organized.
– But my temperament is _______ (fill in the blank.)
– But I don’t have time.
– But I’m afraid.
I recently saw this on facebook:
“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.” Martin Luther
I’ll add to that – you and I are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we do not do.
Paul struggled with this issue – “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, the the evil I do not want to do -this I keep on doing.” Rom 7:19-20
Thankfully he went on to say “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 8:1 Oh joy!
But I want more than to be free from God’s condemnation. I want to be obedient. I want to be centered in His will. I want to invest my “talent“, not bury it. (Matt. 25:14-30) I want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I want to experience the rewards of obedience, sensing His peace and His pleasure in my actions.
If Jesus could endure the cross for the joy that awaited Him (Heb. 12:2), can’t I even roll out of bed for the joy that awaits me?
But I want more than to be free from God’s condemnation. I want to be obedient. I want to be centered in His will. I want to invest my “talent“, not bury it. (Matt. 25:14-30) I want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I want to experience the rewards of obedience, sensing His peace and His pleasure in my actions.
If Jesus could endure the cross for the joy that awaited Him (Heb. 12:2), can’t I even roll out of bed for the joy that awaits me?
Though it may be cliche now, it’s still true. Nike’s slogan “Just Do It!” is echoed in the letter to the Hebrews (Message version):
“… we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running – and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” Heb 12:1-3 MSG
One act of obedience paves the way for the next. Each time we obey, we make it easier for the next time. So friends, can we all “Just Do It!”
“… we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running – and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” Heb 12:1-3 MSG
One act of obedience paves the way for the next. Each time we obey, we make it easier for the next time. So friends, can we all “Just Do It!”
Hi Susan –
Love the line about one act of obedience paves the way for another. How true!
Conversely, one act of disobedience makes the next one easier.
I'd rather be in that first category.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
This was so very timely for me, Susan. I'm so glad and blessed to have gotten the opportunity to meet you and your daughters at Project Dance several weeks ago. I know it was God…especially now as I read your incredibly prophetic words. I observe a precarious balance between a rested assurance in knowing we have God's grace in face of our ever persistent sinful nature and what it causes us to do. I have hope. Paul's words are always so encouraging to me moreover.
I thank God for you, Susan.
Sandy
Loved this! Where is this bike path at the shore?
Oh, yes! I know this as well. Not only do I dislike morning, but, unfortunately, so does my body! Obedience is always the goal. So glad you got to experience the great fellowship. Wonderful post, Susan!
Excellent post, Susan, full of wisdom. The flesh dies so very hard most times. Lord, help!!
So glad you're back in the saddle, seizing the reins again and pressing forward with the writing. He will guide your steps.
P.S. – I don't have more papers yet, but am gearing up to go after them. It's daunting, overwhelming, utterly impossible, humanly speaking. Would be much easier not to "roll out of bed," if you know what I mean. Thanks, however, for the push. 🙂
In love,
Rhonda
Praise the Lord
This was too good not to pass on. This truly ministered to me. I pray it does the same for you all. I was reminded on how I know I should call some people, but I use the excuse. I just don't feel like speaking to anyone. I also related to the getting up early. I had a sleepless night last Friday, and here I had to wake up early in the Morning to go Apple Picking with my Sisters from HCF on Saturday. I asked the Lord please give me the strength to stay up during the Worship and Word, and that HE did. Valerie & I had a Wonderful time in HIS Presence with our Sisters. Thank YOU Abba Jesus & Holy Spirit. Love you !
wonderful job. well done…especially at 7 AM and not sleeping. hope you rested well afterwards.
Marja,
You reminded me of the parable of the two sons – one who said "no" but later did what the Father wanted and the other who said he'd do what the Father asked, but didn't. It was the first Jesus said who did what the Father wanted – just like the tax collectors & prostitutes (Mt. 28)
So there's always the chance to change! Thanks God for His mercy!
Nancy,
Thanks for the encouragement any time of day! lol
thanks I needed that, when I saw the title it really got my attention, anyone who knows me says beware of Nancy in the morning, so many times I have great plans in my mind but they never come to fruition, thanks for being a cheer leader for the body, I really appreciate your gifts, so proud of you my friend and sister!!!
Great post Susan, I recognize this situation all too well. Not wanting to do something at first, and the it turns out to be such a blessing! Thanks for sharing! Let's just do it.