es·sen·tial
əˈsen(t)SHəl/
adjective: absolutely necessary; extremely important.
noun: a thing that is absolutely necessary.
Starting the day off right is essential. Starting the day off with the essentials of life is....well.....essential. Below you will find the four things that I consider essential for starting my day. I honestly cannot imagine a morning without them. I hope you will find something helpful and encouraging for your essential morning routine.
1. Time in God's Word.
Spending time reading my Bible is vital (yes, I have a thesaurus) to my spiritual health and well being. I find that taking time first thing in the morning works best for me. My house is quiet. Now that Jerry and I are empty nesters, our house is quiet most of the time. But still, there is nothing quite like the quiet calm of the early morning. I don't shower, get dressed, put on makeup, or have breakfast before I open my Bible. I'd have to get up at 4 in the morning to do all of that and for now, 5:30 is early enough.
Right now I am going through the four gospels and studying the life of Christ in chronological order. I am using a study book called Simply Christ by Andrew M. Rector. I love this study for so many reasons.
- First, the layout. Each day is a passage of scripture(s) and questions. That's it. There is no commentary, practical illustrations, author insight, or explanations by a theologian as to what the scripture is about. Don't get me wrong. I love those kinds of devotion books and have used them often. But, for the past few years, I am finding that I just want to be in God's Word with God. Him teaching me. The Holy Spirit revealing truth and insight. And is there any better way to learn about Jesus than from Jesus Himself? Again, I am in no way putting down or discouraging the use of other kinds of studies. They are full of wisdom and instruction that is essential for growing one's walk with God. For now, for me, this type of devotion works well.
- The second reason I love this study guide is that it asks the same questions every day for every passage: summarize the passage, who are the people in the passage, what is taking place, where are they, when is this taking place, what did Jesus say, why is this happening, etc. I think of Joe Friday from the old television series Dragnet when he says, "Just the facts ma'am." Once those facts are established, then come the how questions of applying this information to my life.
- Finally, I love this study guide because it encourages journaling, which I love to do. When I write out the answers, I become more thoughtful and deliberate in my responses to what and how God is teaching me. It gives me a reference point to remember how God works and to praise Him for His faithful word. Journaling during my time with God requires me to really listen to His truth and not my own.
2. Time in Prayer
Another part of my morning routine is prayer. I'll be honest, this essential hasn't always been quite as easy for me as time in God's Word and I haven't always given it a place of priority in my routine. Sad, I know. I really have to work at taking the time, no, making the time for this essential aspect of my Christian walk. I am currently taking a class at church that covers all aspects of prayer. At first, I wasn't going to take this class even though I knew I needed it. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), God had to work extra hard to get my attention on this matter. I'm a slow learner sometimes, which is a nice way of saying that I'm really just stubborn. Anyway, I signed up for the class and I am so glad I did. Since the class started, I have learned so much and God has had to essentially break me down so He could build me back up in regard to prayer. Not an easy task either. It's been a process and I have been challenged to make prayer an essential for starting my day. I keep a journal for some matters of prayer. I also use an app on my phone called PrayerMate. These different prayer tools, along with God's constant prompting and patience, are making a huge difference in how I pray. Focused, purposeful, and heartfelt. Connecting my heart to God's heart. Essential, don't you think?
3. Essential Oils
Yes, you knew essential oils had to be on this list, but it's true--they play such an important part in getting my mornings off to a good start. On the side table next to the couch where I sit to read my Bible and pray, I have a diffuser. (I have diffusers in 3 other rooms as well) This allows me to breathe in all the essential goodness from these amazing oils. I pretty much use the same oils every morning, but once in a while I will change things up and try something new or use an oil for a specific need. "What oils?" Glad you asked!
- Peppermint Oil. It is a great energizing oil (much needed at 5:30 in the morning) and it smells awesomely sweet and yummy. Peppermint oil also pairs well with most other oils so any combination I come up with is sure to be beneficial.
- Tangerine Oil. This oil is one of my new favorites. Besides smelling and tasting great, tangerine oil is also an energizing oil that helps to clear out the fog that settles in my early-morning brain. Lemon, Lime, and Wild Orange oils can easily be substituted with the same benefits.
- Cypress Oil. Cypress is great for focus and concentration. Seriously, once I'm all energized up from peppermint and tangerine, I need to be able to concentrate on what I'm reading so I can focus on the truths God is teaching me.
There are other benefits of the essential oils listed above as well: immune system support, stress management, purifying effects, and help for respiratory and digestive issues. All that from just three oils.
4. Coffee
This morning essential is a no-brainer. For other coffee lovers, I don't have to go into detail as to why this is a morning essential. You get it. If you are not a coffee lover, I'll pray for you. Besides, nothing I say will convince you anyway. But seriously, who doesn't need a warm, yummy, jolt of "get going" in the morning? However, I am finding that with the regular, consistent use of essential oils, I am drinking only one cup of coffee in the morning instead of my normal two or three. Hmmm......can't decide if that is a good thing or not.
So there you have it. I honestly believe that these morning habits are something that everyone should incorporate into the start of their day. Everyday. Okay, maybe not the coffee. Please no hate mail from my tea-loving friends....but the other three are absolutely necessary, extremely important.....well....in a word.....Essential.
