a season of slow mornings
Realizing that this season I am in is a season that may not last forever.
It is a season that exists because…
I am not a parent to littles anymore
The pandemic exists
We live in another country
My work is part-time and in the home
Responsibilities and expectations of me are less
We have help at the house for those chores that once kept me busy
Recognizing this season while I am in the midst of it is such a gift. I am thankful for it. I am taking full advantage of it. I don’t want to waste it.
a season of slow mornings
There is no rush to get out the door for work or to get the kids to school.
No one is on their way to the house.
There are no meetings. Places to be. Errands to run.
No have to’s, need to’s, or shoulds.
There is a space to be still.
Saying yes to Jesus.
There is room to pursue, study, and investigate.
Saying yes to new thoughts.
There is freedom to write my thoughts, pray, and send messages of encouragement.
Saying yes to following the Holy Spirit’s leading.
After my initial waking up, opening up the home (literally opening the windows for the day), and feeding the pets, I grab my cup of coffee and sit down with my Bible, journals, St. Benedict’s Prayer Book, and my laptop.
My Coffee Time with Jesus is how I refer to my slow mornings.
Reading scripture, studying the verses, and collecting my thoughts and questions, I read the verses for my online Bible study, “Just Jesus.” I journal the thoughts in my head and new discoveries, and then I share them online with my friends.
Wanting to understand what scripture says about loving others, the roles of women in the church and at home, homosexuality, marriage, following Jesus, racism, conflict with others, etc., I dive into Scripture and study it for myself. If I need to research online commentaries, other’s thoughts, the meaning of the Greek or Hebrew word, or suggestions of other verses, I open up my laptop and research. I journal what I discover. I write my questions. I do the work to figure out what I think the Scripture means. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me. Lead me.
Knowing I need to be active and intentional in my prayer life, I journal my prayers, always beginning with gratitude. If I feel the nudge from the Holy Spirit, I send a message to those I am praying for because I know what a difference it can make to know that someone is praying for you.
Discovering the beautiful words of St. Benedict, I read his daily prayers. I have read and reread these prayers over and over, and the repetition of the prayers has been therapeutic, soothing to my soul, and life giving.
Desiring stillness, I spend five minutes of being still. Assessing how my body feels, where my body is carrying the stress. Processing the looping thoughts. Practicing controlled breathing. Inhaling truth. Exhaling lies.
My Coffee Time with Jesus is giving me life, nourishing my soul, and providing a needed rhythm to my days. My Coffee Time with Jesus is drawing me nearer to the One who I want to please. My Coffee Time with Jesus is part of my season of slow mornings, and I know it may not last. But for today, I wake up cherishing my slow mornings. For today, I will take advantage, sit with my Jesus, sip my coffee, and take my time discovering what it means to love God and love others. My Coffee Time with Jesus starts with my willingness to give my mornings to Him. But I am fully aware that it is this season of slow mornings that gives me the opportunity to give so much time to Jesus. I am thankful for this season, and I am choosing to believe that the things I learn during this season are molding me and revealing more of Jesus to me. When the next season arrives, My Coffee Time with Jesus may change but how I use my time (whether it is plentiful or limited) starts with me.