My First Thought

What was the first thing to come to your mind this morning?

My first subconscious thoughts vary little in the mornings. In fact, they are typically related to one of three things: my most recent dream, my lack of desire to get out of bed, or a mental picture of the day’s to-do list. Amid all of that, I recognize that all I want to do is snuggle up next to my husband and just stay put.

In all honesty, those are not the thoughts I want to have in my first conscious moments. Well, except for the snuggling part. Actually, that part just comes naturally as my mind roams from place to place. But I digress.

What I really want in my mind is an awareness of the presence of God even before true consciousness arrives. Immediately. Without delay. First and foremost. That’s the desire of my heart and the picture of meditating day and night that so permeates Psalms.

This morning, I did awaken that way. My first semi-conscious thought was one of praise. I knew peace. I knew a calm. I felt as if I had rested in the presence of my God. And it was glorious! Despite the craziness of the week so far or the massive amount of work still to be done, this morning my mind is at peace. And I am facing today with much more joy than any morning this week. Yes, it truly continues to be glorious.

I can’t tell you what caused my mind to praise before conscious thoughts arose this morning. Perhaps my recent efforts to turn my mind in that direction after fully awakening are paying off. Perhaps it had something to do with the flow of my thoughts before I went to sleep. I don’t know.

What I do know is that I hunger to do whatever it takes to awaken that way every morning. So, the discipline to turn my mind consciously to prayer and praise first thing in the morning and last thing at night will continue.

Meditation both day and night…yes, it truly is a wonderful thing!