It’s 5:30 am, and it’s still dark when I click on the lamp. The children are still all nestled in bed. No one needs snack or a drink or another kiss on the head. Not even the birds are awake—just me and my thoughts and the steady click of the clock.
Oh, I’d forgotten how much I need this time all alone. There’s just something about silence.
You see, silence breathes peace to my soul.
It’s the space where I pray for wisdom over a daughter who’s suddenly decided not to do homework. Or I sketch or dream, pray for friends or just be.
Before you assume that I’m one of those bizarre creatures who wake all chipper and happy, bounding from bed ready to tackle the day, please note I’m a night owl through and through.
If given a chance, I stay up half the night and well into the morning.
But that isn’t my life now. I’ve places to go, people to see, lunches to pack. And I suspect you have a similar list as well. The moment the clock hits 6:20 am, I’m suddenly mom and wife, then editor and writer before switching back, the clock ticks well past 9 pm before I have a chance to stop again.
How could I possibly pour into my family, my co-workers, my authors if I rush into my day?
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So I take the time when I’m fresh—the morning hours—and devote it to silence, to filling my cup so I can pour it out.
I started small—5 minutes—and then increased the time as my body and mind adjusted. I encourage you to try it. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
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This was written in response to the Five Minute Friday prompt: Silence. The rules are: write for 5 minutes and no editing (although I can’t stop myself a little. I am an editor after all.).
I love this! I wrote about trying to get up before my kids… and still not finding that magical time. I need to remember that it takes commitment but I’m always in awe of moms who have found that time. You’re right – it is so necessary. (Your FMF neighbor)
When my kids were younger, I was certain they had a sixth sense that told them when I woke up so they could get up, too 🙂
Silence nourishes us – yes and yes!
It’s SO hard to find sometimes though!
Great essay!
I sleep in the kennel with our rescue dogs (so I can hold their paws if they have nightmares), and for me the predawn hours are the best. I don’t sleep much these days – it hurts way too much – and the place is usually filled with happy snores and soft yipping in pursuit of cats and mailmen chased through a canine dreamscape.
Not silent; it’s better. It’s life.
I think you’re right. There’s a difference between silence and stillness. But there’s something about the absence of normal activity & noise that is refreshing, that I somehow need. And, for the record, my rescued Sheltie is usually camped out on my lap or at my feet in my early mornings 🙂
Love your thoughts. 🙂 I’m definitely a night owl, too! But on rare occasions (every Saturday morning!) I appreciate being awake before my household and before the sun rises for a few minutes to steady my soul before the onslaught of the day.
Thanks, Pearl. At night, I tend to do more of an evaluation of my day—checking to see if I’m accomplishing what I’d hoped to accomplish and noting what happened so I have a record of my days. It’s something I learned from Ann Kroeker.
I like that- I started with five minutes. I’m neither an early morning girl or really a night owl. But, my morning starts at 6:00 am for us to get to school/work on time. Maybe starting small is a good way to begin.
Starting small is ALWAYS a good idea. It gives you quick wins that encourage you to keep going…and it’s when you keep going that you create habits. You can do it, Lisa!!
I too am trying to get up early to pray and spend time with the Lord. I’m not very consistent yet but I am committed to pressing on to make this a daily appointment with my Lord.