wake up sunshine!

Working in a nice career, becoming a mother, getting my kids to school...all events that I kept hoping would magically transform me into a morning person. You know, one of those people that actually enjoys waking at the crack of dawn and has never had the need for an alarm clock because they couldn't possibly sleep past 6 a.m., no matter how hard they tried.

Yeah, one of those people.

I admire them so much but after 40 years, I've had to reconcile something within myself - I am a night owl trapped in a morning person's body.

My preference is to stay up late, finish my cleaning chores, catch up on what needs done and wind down with a movie. On the other hand, I am required to get up each morning, care for my zoo animals, get them to their designated educational outlets and fulfill any household responsibilites. For the most part, I'd like to think that I wake up with a nice attitude and cheerful disposition, although, other members of the family could dispute this I'm sure.

My wonderful cup of hot, brown liquid fills the house with the smell of the start of another day. I so desire to mix my cup of coffee with a morning Bible reading, quiet time with God and a peaceful beginning to my day. It's a goal I have to work on...not one I've actually begun working on mind you, but you know, it's out there. Just as the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, I envision that blissful morning time to be the ideal setting in a perfect little world.

Well, as anything in my life that I resist doing, my hand has been forced and a new morning routine is becoming a requirement. I feel so overwhelmed with happenings in my life right now. Friends that are suffering, family members in pain and I'm tired of putting it off until tomorrow. Our pastor told us recently about when he ran cross country in high school. The coach told him that the training happened in the off- season. Train when you don't have to and you'll be ready when it's time to step up. My training began at the crack of dawn this morning. I can't guarantee I'll have the same 'get up and go' as I am used to but I pray that my mind and spirit are calmer, better prayed up and ready for the surprises that come with the unknown hours ahead.

A new routine is not welcomed but eagerly desired and hopefully, starting the day with the Son before I see the sun will bring about a new sense of peace that is overdue. The coffee will be a bit stronger than usual, the house will be a bit darker than normal and hopefully, my monkeys will be shocked when they awake to a refreshed and prayed up zookeeper.

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Alycia Holston lives in Helena, MT with her husband and three children. Her heart has always been in women's ministry and has spent the last ten years loving and supporting her fellow mothers. Now she's reaching out in ministry. Alycia is new on the writing scene as Cross River's first children's author. The combination of her love of children, geography and God's amazing creation is what led to 'While The Giant Is Sleeping,' coming May 2011. To learn more about Alycia, her three beautiful and energetic kids, life in Montana and her growing ministry, check out her blog at alysnewchapter.blogspot.com.

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