Lately I’ve been obsessed with the best way to start my day.

I’ve listened to podcasts and read some books.

I want to pray more effectively.  I want to add physical exercise to my morning.  And I need to get as much done as early as I can because my senior citizen status overtakes me every afternoon about 2 pm.

Fortunately, I love to learn.  And love to read.  I respect the lessons others have learned and that they take the time to share them with the rest of us.

Unfortunately, it’s also easy for me to believe that someone else ALWAYS does “it”, whatever my current “it” is, better than me.  My default is to believe I am doing it all wrong

So I’ve tried a couple new routines.  I’ve given them proper time and open mindedness.  And while there is worthwhile information to be had, I feel phony and fake in the doing.

I don’t get the right words said in the right order.

My body won’t exercise at 6 am.  It has made that very clear to me.

I’ve come to the conclusion that another person’s formula isn’t necessarily for me.

And that it is OK.

By nature, morning is my favorite time of day.  I love the peace.  I love to spend time with God.  And I love to start early.  Between 5 to 6 a.m.

The coffee pot goes on first thing.  That is the only consistent thing I do.

Then I read books and scripture.  I pray – sometimes out loud, sometimes silently, and sometimes in my journal.  If inspiration hits, I grab the computer and write.

Sometimes I put on a CD and iron.  Clothes.  Ironing clothes can be a spiritual practice… if you’re me.

Sometimes I throw a flannel shirt over my pajama clad self and go outside.  (benefit of living in the country)

I just breathe.  I walk.  I enjoy the flowers.  I take pictures.  I shoosh the deer away from the apple tree and she pays no attention.

I talk to God.

Sometimes I do all of the above.  Sometimes just a couple.  Sometimes the needs of another take priority.

I’ll never do them all at the same time, in the same way.  I’ll never say all the right words in the right order, but I don’t think that’s even a thing to worry about.  Seriously.

I’ll add new practices now and then.  I’ll forget to do something I’ve always done. (except for the coffee)

And I think that’s just fine.

God made me who I am… the need for orderliness, the hit and miss reality, but always the desire to know Him better.

As long as I start the day with Him, I figure we’re good.