Early in the Morning

I have a sign on my wall that says, “Early in the Morning when I rise, Give Me Jesus.” That is so fitting for today. Although it’s Saturday and I have the opportunity to sleep in, I need Him this morning more than a few more hours of physical rest.

It’s been a very busy week with extra hours at work, several projects beginning and getting back in the swing of things after vacation. I’m tired, but mostly soul tired.

I’ve thought often about why Easter is so special to me and I know it’s because of the hope and promise that it reminds us of. March and April and mentally tough months for me. Each year is a little different. Sometimes my emotions feel strong and others they are so fragile that I can be in tears at any given moment. I’m not sure why, but this year the tears are right on the edge.

My co-worker, Hannah, lost her precious grandfather the other day due to cancer. We were talking about him and she made the sweetest comment, “today he saw Jesus face to face and he’s been preparing for that his whole life.” Isn’t that an incredible legacy to leave behind!

Later in the day I spoke with a new client Linda who apologized at the beginning of the conversation because she recently lost her husband of 51 years to cancer and she can’t seem to get her crying under control. My heart broke for her and I was blessed with some time to talk with her about what she’s going through and share about my experience with crying.

Those were two very special moments yesterday that I was able to comfort others with the comfort I have received. Those moments were gifts from God so that while I am approaching Brock’s anniversary of meeting Jesus and missing him terribly, I get to help others who are experiencing the same.

In addition to the special moments, there were many moments that needed full attention to detail and finalizing several clients’ travel plans. The computers seemed slower and frustration was trying very hard to find a place in my day. Many times I was reminded of my choice not to complain and believe me there were many opportunities for that.

Just before I was left work I received a phone call from Tracy and was told that the puppy we have been waiting for and was scheduled to pick up in 3 weeks had just died after being sat on by its mother. We had been receiving weekly pictures of the pups’ progress and were so excited to take our granddaughters to pick him up. I began to wonder if the day would ever end. Praise God, I made it through the day, only with His help.

Throughout the night my mind swirled with thoughts from all the events of the day. It was a restless night and I kept thinking that I would just sleep in. But early in the morning I knew that I needed extra quiet time with Jesus. I need Him in the stillness and I need His peace.

In Mark 1:35 it says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” His day before this consisted of, “the whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.” (Mark 1:34) Jesus knows all about incredibly busy and exhausting days.

But amazing things happen early in the morning. Luke 24: 22-23, “Early this morning, some of the women informed us of something amazing. They said they went to the tomb and found it empty. They claimed two angels appeared and told them that Jesus is now alive.”

Yes He is Alive!! And He meets with us early in the morning. I was thinking of Mary Magdalene. She had experienced a very heart wrenching day watching the Lord be crucified and mistreated, but early that Sunday morning she met the Risen Lord and He said, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” I imagine that when He said her name, Mary, her heart leaped with joy at the sound of His voice. There He was, alive and well, everything else forgotten for the moment because she was in the presence of her Lord.

That’s how this morning feels. All the sadness, the stress and worry from a tough day yesterday is gone because I’m spending time with my Lord this morning. He makes all things new and is close to the brokenhearted and gives strength for the weary and those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and soar. I’m going to hold tight to that hope and promise after all, that what Easter is all about.

My prayer

Father, thank you for Your presence in my day yesterday. I pray that You will comfort Hannah and Linda with the same comfort You always give me. I know You are close to the brokenhearted and I feel Your love surround me. Thank you for renewed strength to face a new day and especially for morning time with You. You are what I’m looking for and You are what I’ve found. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Isaiah 40:29-31

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.