Morning Quiet

          I've searched for quiet time for years, fully aware, every single morning, of how unprepared I am to step into the day without God’s help. I’ve long awakened slowly, sometimes cranky, in varying degrees of unwillingness to give up cozy and lazy and self to the multitude of needs that will greet me on that day. Over time, I realized fuel is needed before attempting what comes so unnaturally – and I need it every single morning (leaky vessel, I am).

          Still, time to refuel is elusive in a family; business and activity and habit crowd in, along with many voices wanting attention and the laundry, oh the laundry! Quiet must be carved out of hours not used or those wasted on things that don’t edify, and I find mine in the still-dark hour I always slept through.

          For months, this habit has been building; rising with alarm, and after several weeks, beginning to wake alone and even gladly, anxious for this quiet meeting time with God. I move through dark house, and squirrel a cup of tea back up to my bedroom where dog, cat and I sit with Bible and devotionals. This lovely quiet hour, once dreamed through, has become my favorite time of day. This morning, Dietrich Bonhoeffer spoke to me from the pages of Devotions for Lent, and before I jump into breakfast and school and laundry, I wanted to share with you.

Oh God, early in the morning I cry to you.

Help me to pray

And to concentrate my thoughts on you;

I cannot do this alone.

In me there is darkness,

But with you there is light;

I am lonely, but you do not leave me;

I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;

I am restless, but with you there is peace.

In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;

I do not understand your ways,

But you know the way for me….

Restore me to liberty,

And enable me to live now

That I may answer before you and before men.

Lord, whatever this day may bring,

Your name be praised.

Amen.

-         Dietrich Bonhoeffer Germany/ 1906-1945

Thankful for quiet, restoration and God’s ever present help, and

Trusting in Him,

Aimee