First things first, I need my time with God so that He can refuel me with His word. Each day holds new challenges and responsibilities. And sometimes the weight of the day before attaches itself to us so strong that it joins us in our sleep and wakes with us the next morning. It is painful to live a new day with old baggage.
I need my time with God everyday. If I neglect this time, the relationship suffers, and I don’t want that. Any relationship suffers without consistency and intimacy. My relationship with God is no different. So I rise early in the morning to read His word, to whisper my prayers, to hear His voice, to sit still for minute and let the day in slowly.
The woman of excellence practices being excellent for a lifetime. If we don’t train ourselves to do the things that renew our private lives and refresh our personal thoughts and calm our own spirits, then how will we have anything to give anyone else in the not-so-distant future. The PRO 31:15 rises early in the morning and provides spiritual food for her household. She prepares the words that will frame and shape their day. My mother did it. We awoke and 15 minutes before we left for the bus, we had Bible study every weekday morning. We practiced reading out loud and digging for treasures in the Word. She taught me how to shape my day. As a woman I still follow the same process: Word first, now face the day.
After her diligence with the word comes her diligence with the business of the house. When the ladies on her team arise for the day, she has word for them and assignments. She’s a prepared leader, who understands the basics of diligence:
- God first (it shapes your attitude and can greatly elevate your kindness meter)
- Preparation is crucial (you do your part by getting ready, God will do His by blessing your efforts)
- Don’t waist time (time costs, so put it to great use. If you have 10 people waiting around to help you and they have been waiting for 10 minutes for you, well you have just wasted 1 hour and 40 minutes. Time matters, so use it wisely).
EXERCISE: If you are the kind that bolts up and out of your bed as soon as the alarm rings, I want you try something different for tomorrow morning: set your alarm 10 minutes earlier than usual, put your Bible beside your bed. Maybe you are traveling and don’t have one with you, then go to BibleGateway.com online and choose the version you want to read (I like the Amplified) and get to reading, but practice going to the site at night, so that it will be quick for you in the morning. When you bolt out of the bed at full speed, grab your Bible and head for the nearest (or your favorite) window, open the curtains and read at least one scripture (Psalms 139:14), take at least one deep breath, whisper at least one little prayer (thank You for my life). Smile because you are woman enough for this day, and then dive into the business of living (as my sister says).
The PRO learns to face her life boldly and diligently, one day at a time. But not only that she’s savvy . . . and I don’t mean the sales we can find on clothes at warehouses and the mall, it’s more to being savvy than that . . .
-MizJAI-
She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks. Proverbs 31:15 AMP
