first things first

It's 6:20 am. My alarm went off 20 minutes ago. I stopped it, turned my bedside lamp on, and gave myself a few minutes (or ten) to doze and wake up.

Then I headed to the bathroom (throwing the blankets off did take a bit of self-discipline), brushed my teeth and sat down with my laptop.

It's the way I start my early mornings most weekdays. There was a time when I didn't think I could do concentrated writing in the early mornings--I'm way too tired for that, I thought.

But the fact that I couldn't really do it any other time of the day either, forced me to give this a try. Now I love it. I love most of all that I'm starting my day with first things first--with a priority.

When I sit down later and craft my to-do list, I'll be able to cross one of my daily tasks off immediately! That feels good and it sets me up for a positive day.

But I have a word for you mamas in different life seasons reading this as well. Putting first things first typically means, like I've mentioned, "eating your frog" and getting something important done as soon as you wake.

For those of you with tiny babes and toddlers though, putting first things first could mean staying in bed--as long as possible. Sleep comes first.

It could mean getting up and sitting in a dark room with your thoughts, a cup of tea, and an open Bible. Peace comes first.

It could mean throwing the covers off and heading to the shower, because if you don't do it now you won't have another chance. Self-care comes first.

A few years ago Jonathan slept on a small mattress in our bedroom. In the mornings I would wake and lie as still as possible for as long as possible, not daring to wake him.

At times this annoyed me, but I tried to see it as a gift. Some voices told me to discipline him to sleep in his own bed, but I couldn't agree. He wasn't being bad--he was being four. Sure enough, in about a year's time he was back in his own room. Now he's eight and sleeps great.

During that season I put first things first in a different, but still important way.

Productivity is something, but it isn't everything. What would putting first things first look like for you today?