You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13 NIV

This morning I can’t help thinking about how unsettled and contentious so much of the world is so much of the time. And – sadly – how readily people almost reflexively create discord and drama and controversy even when there is absolutely no need.

It’s as if, given the alternatives of waking up every morning grateful or starting the day looking for something to be bent out of shape about, there are people who always tend to go for option two!

There’s a solid chance, given the number of people who follow this blog, that some of you may be among those who fall routinely into that trap. If you are, then please read on because I have some good news for you!

The Path of Peace:

Today I want to steer all of us toward the path of peace and I’m going to do that by talking about the simple approach I use first thing every day.

The key here is to be intentional and not reactive, to make a deliberate choice to launch on a trajectory that is at once devotional and purposeful.

First, the moment I ease into consciousness, I like to remember a really great (unattributed) quote I heard several years ago:

Be the kind of man who, the moment your feet hit the floor on your side of the bed in the morning, the devil says, “Oh crap, he’s up!“

Then, after I have set the coffee going, I take a 20-minute walk – longer if I have the time. I like to meditate on a verse of scripture and let it seep through my consciousness and deep into my soul. There are dozens of helpful sources; I tend to use Bible Gateway’s verse of the day.

When I get back home, and before I take Rebekah her coffee, I open all the blinds, letting morning pour into the house. I use this opportunity to rededicate myself to The Light, symbolically inviting God to pour light and love into everything that will come my way during the next fifteen hours or so.

Finally, at the end of breakfast, Rebekah and I will read a short meditation together (like The Upper Room, or These Days), setting the trajectory of our day together in the context of devotion.

Intentional!

Starting every day this way is not a lot, but it is intentional and that is the point. Why leave anything so important as today to chance? Or to mood? Or the attitude of others? Or an unpredictable circumstance?

This really is the day the Lord has made! There is no other response than to be glad, and thankful, and rejoice! – DEREK