As a long-time theatre director, I’ve always paid special attention to the feel of the house environment and first glance of the stage set. When my guests walk in, I want their senses to be immersed in the wonder of the set, carefully chosen music and subtle lighting effects. My goal in that moment is for the environment to draw them in with glad anticipation, awaiting the story to unfold. My desire for them is to be swept away by the story; to think, to laugh, and to feel.

So it is with our days.

We all do it one way or another. How do you set the stage for your day?

I am not a morning person. In confess! I’ve tried to convert and do my best work in the morning, but end up just needing more strong coffee! Thankfully, I’ve come to accept (and even appreciate) this about myself, better able to embrace my best work accomplished later in the day. Some display their genius in the morning, while others deliver theirs at night. Thank the Lord for the variety, because if everyone was created like me nothing would open before noon!

Over the years I’ve read many articles on this concept and came away with 3 key thoughts:
1. The most definitive moment of our day is when we first wake up.
2. We have a choice about the first information we expose to our brain.
3. The first 30 minutes after waking is the most vital.

By meditating, reading, taking a walk, writing in a journal, being silent before God, examining our soul, or simply engaging in something reflective for those first minutes, we make a choice about what the foundation of our day will be built upon.

If we expose our mind and heart to God given truths early in the day, we can be drawn in, awaiting with glad anticipation the story about to unfold.

In King David’s day, they might not have had brain science research, but he certainly knew the power of a God-connection first thing in the morning:

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; 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; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 59:16)

But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. (Psalm 88:13)

Proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night… (Psalm 92:2)

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:8)

Whether we have 30 minutes on a sunny porch, or 5.52 minutes alone in the bathroom (moms of little kiddos, I know the struggle is real), focusing our minds on God’s truth and embracing Him will create a healthy mindset for our day. So let’s grab that espresso, almond milk or whatever kick-starts our morning, and wait with glad anticipation for His story to unfold through us.

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Michelle Marx is a first-time contributor to Soul Care Collective. Thanks, Michelle!