Time for ...Meditation!

I used to hate mornings. Snuggling under the covers, feeling all cozy, not a care in the world, I didn't want to leave my bed. But as I've gotten older, I've appreciated mornings more. Like me, my side of the world is just waking up, and it's still groggy. The hustle and bustle hasn't set in. Saturday mornings are my favorite. Since I'm not pressed for time, I'm able to plod along and enjoy it more before the beck and call of "what needs to be done" begins.

I used to be the kind of person that would sleep in as late as possible until I had to get up, but lately I've found myself "piddling" - maybe get a load of clothes going, unload the dishwasher, straighten up - things I normally didn't do on a week morning. When I decided I wanted to make a devotional time part of my life, I tried it at night. It didn't work. I found myself grabbing a novel or magazine instead. I wanted to "wind down," and I felt that I wasn't as alert as I should be. My devotional time had to be in the mornings. Oh no! That meant getting up earlier! Yes, indeed!

Now looking back, I can't say I hated mornings. I hated (and truthfully, still do) the enertia of having to get up, but once I'm up, I find a peace I enjoy. That's probably why I also enjoy getting to school before everyone else; I really like the "quiet before the storm." Now in the mornings, reading my devotions and scripture has become part of my day. I feel as if I'm starting if off right. Granted, I haven't memorized scriptures, but I've gotten better at remembering where I've read something.

Recently we teachers were talking about how somedays it feels that all we do is rebuke the students, and after talking with the girls - AGAIN - about the low-cut tops that some were wearing, the lead teacher said that when we get on to them it doesn't mean we're picking on them. (Of course, they don't see it that way.) And somedays, like I've told my team, I'm tired of being the "heavy." I'm tired of being the teacher that makes the students tow the line. Then this past Thursday I read Hebrews 12:5-6

My sons, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him:

For whom the Lord loves He chastens

And scourges every son whom He receives.

I was renewed, but still, "I do this because I love you" is hard medicine to swallow.

I don't know. I shouldn't be surprised, but when I find an "answer" or "guide" to a situation I'm dealing with during my devotion time, I get this little jolt of "Ah-ha!" and a sense that although I stumble most of the way, I am on the right path.