If last week was the storm, this week is that beautiful time of rejuvenation after it. It's ironic, then, that I have woken up the past three mornings completely and utterly exhausted after 7+ hours of sleep. To some extent, though, I know I'm being tested.
I resolved at the beginning of this year to read through the Bible chronologically. (The schedule is available here.) I am a firm believer in going through devotionals and doing studies on different topics or books in the Bible. That being said, I have very little success with them, personally. I am the kind of person that needs structure; I need a schedule to hold me accountable (you know, in case that little check in my spirit doesn't do the trick). From previous experience, I've found that the whole Bible-in-a-year thing is best for me.
That being said, spending about a half hour reading the Bible each day seemed really daunting, especially since I'm taking four (yep, FOUR) science classes this semester. I also felt really convicted that giving God a half hour of my I'm-so-exhausted-I-just-want-to-go-to-sleep time wasn't exactly giving Him my best. So I made a second decision: I was going to do my Scripture reading in the morning and finish off the day with Streams in the Desert.
If you know me, you know I'm the kind of person to wake up half-an-hour before my first class, throw on a t-shirt and jeans, grab a bowl of cereal at Garlock, and head to class. The idea of waking up earlier didn't thrill me, to say the least. But you know what?
I've been up earlier than I ever have been (consistently) at school. Last week was hell, I'll admit. I was up late doing homework and finishing labs, then up early to finish homework and do last-minute calculations. (I sound like such a nerd when I say that.) I struggled to have that time with God when my body just craved sleep. There were mornings that I didn't read my Bible, and I gave God the leftover time at the end of the day. But honestly, I have to be excited that I haven't yet missed a day with Him this year. It's hard to stay consistent in college - I know, because this is my third year of trying - but it is so worth it.
Well, this post is completely different than what I sat down to write. But it's okay. I leave for Guatemala in four days. I cannot wait to see those precious children!
Lord, let my heart beat only to bring You glory.
