Before the Noise of the Day

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”

Mark 1:35

I know how hard it is to find silence in your life. A full house, notifications flashing on the screen, a to-do list shouting before you've even opened your eyes all the way. That's why I want to tell you about this ancient habit: seeking out time, even a small amount, before the noise of the day swallows up everything you had planned.

It's not a rigid rule, not some magic formula about the exact right hour that must be followed to the letter. It's the wisdom of someone who knows that if you don't set aside time with me, the day takes over, and intimacy gets pushed to later — and later never truly comes. A few quiet minutes in the morning, focused only on me, bring more peace than hours of rushing around trying to handle everything alone, by your own strength.

Today, try this: before you pick up your phone, before you think through the whole day's list, seek me first, even if it's only for five minutes. I'll be waiting, as I always have been, ready to begin the day with you.