Morning Routines

We all have our morning routines. That is, we all have an order in which we, once we get out of bed, do the things we need to do to get ready for the day and out of the house. And many of us can be very, very regular about our morning routines, allowing nothing to get in the way of our routine. 

Mine goes something like this: get out of bed, take a shower, brush my hair, shave (and the shaving cream, post-shave balm, and razor need to be put in a certain order on the sink), get dressed, make the bed, make the coffee, walk the dog, feed the dog, eat breakfast, read my Bible and devotional book, pray, brush my teeth, put my gym bag together, gather my stuff, and leave for the office. I think I’m tired just thinking about my morning routine!

Of course, there are days when the routine gets mixed up a little bit. For example, if I’m going to go to the gym or take a run in the morning, I’ll save my shower and shaving for afterwards—or maybe even eat breakfast once I get back. I’ve learned it’s good to be a bit flexible. For the most part, however, I follow my routine pretty regularly. 

The good thing about routines is that they help us get done what needs to be done, without having to think too much. By having a routine, we don’t need to ask, what should I do next? We don’t have to try to figure things out. Rather, we just do it and it gets done—e.g., we leave our house showered, having eaten, leaving the dog fed, etc. Routines help us by relieving the stress that too many little decisions can create by giving to us a pattern by which to live. After all, there are so many other decisions to make throughout the day—some of them quite big—so why spend our time and energy on small things like trying to figure out should I shower before I eat or should I make my coffee first or feed the dog? 

The psalmists often refer to their morning routine as they wrote, “…in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3); “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love….” (Psalm 59:16); “…in the morning my prayer comes before you.” (Psalm 88:13) It seems to me that part of their morning routine was taking time to pray and worship. They knew that the best thing they could do, as they began their day, was to look to God for his help and strength, as well as to worship him—even sing to him. 

What’s your morning routine like? I’m sure you have one. And I know that for some of us, the morning routine can be quite a rush to get out of the house. But, let me encourage you to make sure that you include in your routine at least some time to talk to God, to tell him what you have need of for that day, and to give him thanks and praise for all he has done in your life. It’s a great way to start your day! 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris