I love the month of January.
After the lack of routines (and sleep and healthy food) from the holidays, January provides a reset button. Some people scoff at making New Year’s Resolutions, but I find that the beginning of the year is a great time to pause and see where your life is going and where you need to get back on track.
My resolutions were pretty straight forward: water and the Word.
Water is necessary, it just is. And especially since I’m nursing and plan to for at least a year. I’ve been slicing up cucumbers for my water for a hint of flavor, which also makes it visually more attractive.
And then there’s Bible time.
I’m certain this is on my list every January, but this year I needed a plan. I can’t focus well when the kids are playing and I’m being summoned every few minutes to put socks on a stuffed baby bunny or, no joke, to build a “Sneeze Poop Machine” out of Legos.
I’ve always wanted to be a morning person, it just doesn’t come as naturally to me at 5am as sleeping does. This year, the desire has finally been met with conviction. I’ve been convicted by my Bible study in Romans that I need to pray for others more. I need to get up early and read Scripture and pray Scripture into my life and the lives of others. I need to get up before my children so I can greet them with joy, instead of cursing the hour. I need to get up early and choose my direction for the day before I let selfishness hit auto-pilot.
To quote the old hymn,
I need Thee, oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Even in the early hours. Especially in the early hours. Light that candle and let it burn.
jess leigh hanna 